8 Great Habits to Help You Boost Your Retirement Routine

You’ve retired! Congratulations! It’s finally time to enjoy all the things you’ve been dreaming about—without worrying about the 9 to 5 grind.

While this may sound great in the beginning, after a while you may find filling your days a challenge. The transition from a structured work schedule to a more open-ended one can be difficult to navigate, leaving you feeling uncertain about what to do next.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 8 habits to help you boost your retirement routine and make the most of this exciting time in your life. Bye-bye boredom! 

From finding new hobbies to staying active and social, I’ve got plenty of fun and creative suggestions to help you find your footing in retirement. Let’s dive in and explore some great ways to make retirement your best years yet!

In this article, you’ll learn:

• 3 benefits of having a retirement routine
• 5 tips for building a retirement routine (and sticking to it)
• 8 activities to include in your retirement routine

3 Benefits of Having a Retirement Routine

Ah, the retired life. That sweet release from the 9-5 grind and the freedom to finally do what you want when you want. It’s a time in life that many of us dream about for years but, as with any major change, there can be unexpected challenges.

One of the most common challenges in retirement is adjusting to the lack of structure that comes with not having a regular job. Sure, it may sound like paradise to not have a schedule, but in reality it can lead to boredom, loneliness, and even depression.

Let’s take a closer look at 3 ways having a retirement routine can improve your life.

1. A retirement routine provides a sense of purpose

When you retire, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing your sense of purpose. After all, your job likely provided a significant part of your identity and daily routine. Having a retirement routine can help fill that void by giving you a new sense of purpose. 

You can set goals for yourself and work toward them, whether it’s learning a new skill, volunteering in your community, traveling to a new place, or anything else you’ve been wanting to do. Having a schedule and some structure in your day can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel like you’re making the most of your retirement.

2. A retirement routine promotes good health

Retirement can also result in decreased physical activity which can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. A retirement routine that incorporates regular exercise into your schedule can help keep you active and healthy. Whether it’s taking a daily walk, joining a fitness class, or trying out a new sport, staying active can help you maintain your physical health and improve your mood.

3. A retirement routine fosters social connections

One of the most significant changes that come with retirement is a decrease in social interactions. Without a job to go to, you’ll no longer have a daily social network of colleagues and coworkers. It can be challenging to build new connections in your retirement years, but having a routine that includes regular social activities can help you create new connections.

Whether it’s joining a book club, taking a class, or volunteering in your community, having a schedule can help you find social outlets and stay connected with the world around you.

5 Tips for Building a Retirement Routine and Sticking To It

Having a routine in retirement definitely has benefits, but how do you build that routine (and once you’ve built it, how do you keep it going)? Here are a few things to consider. 

1. Start small

When building your routine, it’s important to start small and focus on one habit or activity before adding more. Setting small, achievable goals can help build momentum and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

2. Visualize your ideal week

Visualize what your ideal week would look like and plan accordingly. Think about the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as exercise, social activities, hobbies, and relaxation, and schedule them into your week. Don’t forget to use your block planner to help you map it out!

3. Reflect and adjust

Treat this process like an experiment. Take some time to reflect on what’s working well and what’s not, making adjustments as needed. Don’t be afraid to change things up if an activity or habit isn’t bringing you joy or fulfillment.

4. Consistency over perfection

As with most things, consistency is more important than perfection. Don’t worry about missing a day or slipping up on a habit. Instead, focus on being consistent with your routine over the long term.

5. Be open to change

Retirement is a time to explore new interests and activities. Don’t be afraid to stop and try something else if a routine or habit isn’t working for you. Be open to change and always be on the lookout for new ways to stay active and engaged.

8 Ideas to Add to Your Retirement Routine

Once you understand the benefits of a retirement routine and how to build one, it’s time to start adding activities that will help you make the most out of your retirement years. Here are a few ideas to consider.

1. Create an exercise routine

It’s important to make exercise a part of our daily lives, but it can be tough to stay motivated and stick to an exercise routine. Here’s a tip you might find useful: if you treat your workout like an appointment with yourself, you’re more likely to follow through.

First, decide what kind of exercise you enjoy and how often you want to do it. Maybe it’s a daily yoga session or a weekly dance class. Whatever it is, make your exercise routine something you look forward to!

Next, block off time in your schedule for your workout, just like you would for a doctor’s appointment or a coffee date with a friend. This helps you prioritize your health and well-being and reminds you that you deserve to take care of yourself.

Once you’ve got that appointment with yourself, put on your favorite workout clothes, turn up the music, and get moving. You’ve got this!

2. Create a shopping, meal planning, and meal prep routine

Grocery Shopping Made Easier 

Let’s chat about something we all love—food! Most of us enjoy eating food, but grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal prep can sometimes feel like daunting tasks. However, with just a few simple tricks, we can make it a lot easier. 

First up, stress-free grocery shopping! Set a regular time each week to create a comprehensive grocery list. Whether you’re hitting the store or ordering online, planning ahead will save you precious time and help you avoid leaving out any key ingredients.

To make your grocery store run even smoother, check out “Get Out of the Grocery Store FAST!” I’ve got some juicy tips on meal planning plus some time-saving recipes, so you can be in and out of the store in no time.

Make Time for Meal Planning and Prep

Now that you’re taking charge of your grocery list and managing it in a way that doesn’t seem too difficult, it’s time to talk about what you plan to do with those groceries.

Here’s a quick story for you. When I was younger, I could eat whatever I wanted without worrying about my weight. As I got older, things started to change, and when I got pregnant things got really tough—I gained over 65 pounds! Since I didn’t have a 65 pound baby, I knew I had to make some changes.

At first I didn’t know where to start. As I read a lot of books and tried different programs, I started to see a pattern. The key to all of those plans and programs was meal planning and preparation. Whether I was cooking my meals or ordering them, planning ahead was the foundation for healthy eating.

Now I know that planning my meals is the best way to stay on track with my health goals. Even though it can be a bit of work, it’s totally worth it in the end. If you’re struggling with your weight or just want to eat healthier, try making meal planning and prep a part of your retirement routine. You might be surprised at how much it can help!

3. Create a routine for socializing

Being a social butterfly not only keeps you connected to your community, but it’s also a fantastic way to have a blast and enjoy yourself. Our friends at HelpGuide, a nonprofit organization all about mental health and wellness, say that social outings are the key to dodging those isolation blues.

So, how can you become a social superstar? Set up coffee dates with a sibling, go for walks with your neighbor, or whip up some delicious dinners with your kiddos every other Friday. If you’re keen to make new friends, join a club or attend local meetups that match your interests. By doing this, you’ll grow your social circle and find even more chances to connect with others.

You know those moments when we say, “let’s do this again soon,” but then we never actually do? The trick to actually making it happen is to schedule it when you say it! Have a great coffee date with an old friend? Schedule your next coffee before you say goodbye. 

Take a page from the “Mom’s Night Out” group that’s been getting together for several years. Once our kids flew the coop for college we realized we needed each other’s support, so we started a monthly night out. And guess what? We haven’t stopped since! Even in the era of social distancing, we’ve kept the party going online.

4. Add learning time to your schedule

Learning something new is a fantastic way to keep your mind active and your creativity flowing. Here are three easy steps to get started:

Step 1: Create a list of skills to learn

Start by creating a list of skills you want to learn. Grab a pen and paper or use an app like Evernote to jot down everything that interests you—from cooking to changing a tire to learning to knit, and so on. Keep your list in a place where you can add to it whenever a new idea pops into your head.

Step 2: Research your learning options

Next, research how to learn these skills. Try searching YouTube or taking an online course from sites like Udemy. If you prefer a more traditional approach, order a book on the topic. There are tons of different sources out there for learning, so don’t be afraid to try new things.

Step 3: Set aside time for learning

Last but not least, set aside time in your weekly schedule for learning your new skill. Block off an hour or two each week to dedicate to your new interest. Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny afternoon, you’ll be excited to get started and energized by the prospect of learning something new.

5. Introduce novelty

Do you ever find yourself doing the same thing day in and day out? Is it starting to feel a little stale? If that’s the case, it might be time to introduce some novelty into your life. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

Try something new each week

Commit to trying something new each week. It could be something as simple as trying a new food or downloading a new app. Or maybe decide to try a new type of exercise or change up your walking route. The possibilities are endless! By committing to trying something new each week, you’ll be opening up your world just a little bit more and keeping things fresh.

Travel to a new destination

Traveling to a new destination is one of the best ways to introduce novelty into your life. Whether you go on a weekend getaway or plan a big international trip, traveling to a new place can help you break out of your routine and experience new cultures, foods, and activities.

Join a group or club

Joining a group or club is another great way to introduce novelty into your life. Whether it’s a book club, a hiking group, or a cooking club, joining a group can help you meet new people and try new things.

Experiment with different routines

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different routines. If you’ve been following the same morning routine for years, switching things up could help you feel more energized and productive. Try waking up earlier or later, meditating, or doing a quick workout in the morning and observing how it affects your day.

By trying something new each week, taking a class or workshop, traveling to a new destination, joining a group or club, or experimenting with different routines, you’ll be opening up your world to new possibilities and keeping things exciting.

6. Volunteering

Let’s talk about one of the most rewarding things you can do in retirement—volunteering! We all have more time now that we’re retired, so why not use that time to help others?

Here are a few tips to get started:

Start small

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. You can start small by offering to pick up something for a neighbor or friend when you’re going to the grocery store. Or just let someone go in front of you in line. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in making someone’s day.

Look for opportunities

Opportunities to volunteer often present themselves in everyday life. Maybe you notice a young mother behind you in the grocery line with a toddler who is dangerously close to nap time. Offer to let her go in front of you in line or help her carry her groceries to the car. Look for opportunities to help others, and you’ll be surprised how many you find.

Find a cause you care about

If you’re looking for a more structured way to volunteer, consider finding a cause you care about and volunteering with an organization that supports that cause. Whether it’s working with animals, helping the homeless, or supporting a local charity, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.

7. Create a wind-down routine

Having a wind-down routine to get ready for bed is the key to a good night’s sleep. We all know how hard it can be to feel rested, but with a little bit of planning and dedication we can make it happen. 

Here are a few suggestions:

Adjust your schedule

The first step in creating a wind-down routine is to look at your normal schedule and make the necessary adjustments to ensure you can finish dinner three hours before bedtime. This will give your body time to digest your food and start to relax before you hit the hay.

Avoid snacking after dinner

Next, commit not to snack after dinner. Late-night snacking can lead to indigestion and make it harder to fall asleep. If you do need a little something before bed, try a cup of chamomile tea or a small piece of fruit.

Limit phone use

Last, severely limit phone use after dinner. If you have to be in touch with family, that’s okay, but try to avoid social media and news reports. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep.

Remember, it takes 21 days to establish a habit. Try this wind-down routine for three straight weeks and see if it helps you get a better night’s sleep. By adjusting your schedule, avoiding late-night snacking, and limiting phone use, you’ll be giving your body the time and space it needs to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

8. Self-care

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it’s important to take some time for yourself each week. After all, if you’re not in a good place mentally or physically, it’s very difficult to take care of others. 

Here are a few things you can do:

Schedule time for yourself

Important things go on a calendar. The first step in practicing self-care is to schedule time each week just for you. This should be a time when you can relax and recharge without any distractions. Turn off your phone and avoid all screen time. This is all about you. 

Reflect on your accomplishments

During your self-care time, take a few moments to think about what you accomplished during the week. What positive changes did you make to your routine? What act(s) of kindness did you perform? Allow yourself to feel good about what you’ve done, but also forgive yourself for any mistakes or areas where you fell short of your plans.

Practice mindfulness

Close your eyes and listen to your breath for as long as it feels good to do so. This practice of mindfulness can help you relax and let go of any stress or worries.

Make a commitment to yourself

End your self-care break with a commitment to yourself to make next week the best it can be. This could be something as simple as taking a walk each day or practicing gratitude each morning. Whatever it is, commit yourself and stick to it.

Reward yourself

Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for practicing self-care. This could be something as simple as enjoying your favorite snack or treating yourself to a relaxing bath. Whatever it is, take some time to celebrate your commitment to yourself.

Take the 21-Day Challenge!

Are you up for a challenge? Take the 21-day challenge and see what a difference it can make in your life! While it’s true that establishing a new habit can take longer than 21 days, it’s a great place to start. Set some goals for the next three weeks and work on incorporating some of the ideas we’ve talked about, or come up with some of your own.

By making small changes to your routine and committing to them for 21 days, you’ll be well on your way to establishing new habits that can improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether setting aside time each week for self-care, volunteering in your community, or learning a new skill, there are plenty of ways to make a positive change in your life.

What are you waiting for? Take the 21-day challenge and see what a difference it can make in your life. You might be surprised at just how much you can accomplish in just three short weeks. Let’s do this!