Approaching Retirement Age? Steps To Take For Your Mental Health And Well-Being

When you are approaching your retirement, you may find yourself wondering what is to come next. Retirement marks a major change and transition in the lives of not only the retiree but their family and friends as well. Sometimes, times of transition and change can be difficult for people. Many people struggle with the retirement process and with what to do next. Get to know some of the ways that you can help care for your mental health and well-being while you transition into retirement. Then, you can be sure you handle the situation as well as possible and allow yourself to even enjoy the process of retiring. 

Start Planning Activities You Want to Try After Retirement

Many people have a tough mental and emotional time after they reach retirement because they simply do not know what to do with themselves and with all of their free time. When you are used to having a schedule and a routine, suddenly not having one can be a jolt to your system and can lead to feelings of being lost and can even lead to depression. 

One of the ways that you can offset this issue is to start planning what you are going to do during your retirement before you get there. Think about activities that you would like to try or start when you retire. Perhaps you would like to take a pottery class. Or you might want to try your hand at learning a new language. Joining a book club could be another option. You could even try volunteering at a local hospital or animal shelter. 

There are many things that you can do or try when you have the time and retirement gives you the perfect opportunity to try your hand at many different activities. Pick out two or three that you want to try as soon as you retire. If you know the exact date of your retirement, you can even sign up for classes so that you have a schedule already set for yourself when the time comes. Although this will not be as intense a schedule as a full-time job, it still gives you some structure. 

Consider Seeing a Counselor

Counseling can be a great resource when you are approaching retirement. Depression and anxiety are common struggles among soon-to-be and current retirees. Many people fear that retirement marks the beginning of the end so to speak, which causes them mental health issues. However, retirement can be one of the best times of your life as well. 

Seeing a counselor as your transition into retirement can help you to deal with your thoughts and feelings regarding retirement and what is to come next. They can work with you to develop ways to cope with your feelings, control your thoughts, and learn more about yourself and what you want and need from your life as you head towards retirement. Your counselor can even recommend reading materials that can help you including options like a Baby Boomer Guide Book for Mindful Aging and other retirement and aging-specific resources. 

Once you are retired, it would be a good idea to continue counseling. You will continue to work through your fears, worries, and feelings about retirement and about yourself in general. It is always good to have an objective person to talk to and guide you through any major transitions or issues in your life or just to help you in general. 

Now that you know a few of the steps to take when you are approaching retirement, you can be sure that your mental health and well-being are among your top priorities during this transition. For more information, contact a company like Andrea Brandt Therapy today.


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