Growing older is not the end of the road but only the beginning. Its not the rest of your story but the best part of your story. You have reached a point in your life where your days are yours to do as you please. Avoid the beliefs that aging makes you feeble and sickly. Disregard the thoughts that aging leads to memory loss and inabilities to take care of one’s self. All of these thoughts may not apply to you in federal retirement. The golden years will be what you make of them. They can be filled with good health, purpose and happiness.
Since the golden years are inevitable for us all, provided are 6 helpful retirement tips to consider that may make the aging process easier.
1. Stay mentally sharp
The mind is a powerful machine. The more you use it, the stronger it will become. While working for the federal government it was easy to exercise your brain. However, when you federally retire, you should plan for other ways to keep your mind sharp. Retirees often take on a new hobby such as reading or wood work. What about learning another language? Talk about a challenge!
2. Volunteer
Giving back to your community or church can be very rewarding. By helping those around you, this builds a stronger appreciation for what you have and forms new found relationships. Visit your nearby school system and sign up to read to the kids for an hour one day a week. Nonprofit agencies are always looking for a fresh face to help out. Volunteering is also a great way to network in retirement. It will keep you physically and mentally active.
3. Eat healthy
Food is fuel to the body. As we age, our body’s digestive system slows down. Therefore high fiber foods are of great importance. Health experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. Have fun in the kitchen meal prepping. Federal retirement offers you the time to make cooking fun and interesting. Invite friends and family over to enjoy the feast that you prepare. Take a cooking or baking class.
4. Keep in touch with friends and family
Don’t let federal retirement lead to loneliness and depression. By the time you retire, your children will have flown the nest. Friendships you built in the office are harder to maintain in retirement. Make an effort to keep in touch with the ones you hold near and dear. However, you could use this opportunity to schedule a cruise or trip with old work friends! In today’s modern times, technology is a powerful tool. It allows us to stay connected without having to be physically present. Consider, writing a hand written letter.
5. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
While working, we made every excuse in the book: I’m too tired, I’ve been on my feet all day, I’ll go to the gym tomorrow. The list continues. It is never too late to start exercising your muscles. The gym is also a great place for networking. Exercise is good for mental health. You may take up yoga, spin class, running, walking. Search for a wellness center near you and make note of the classes provided throughout the week. The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health conducted a study and found that short bouts of exercise lowered blood pressure and reduced inches off the hips and waistline.
6. Remain Positive
Life will present us will bumps in the road. When this happens, take a step back and reflect on all the things in your life that you can be grateful for: a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food on the table, loved ones nearby. The adventures that await you in your golden years are never ending. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
There’s always an opportunity to experience something new for the first time. Learning something new allows you to make more memories and adds meaning to your life. Federal retirement can be as fun and exciting as you allow it to be. Try to always focus on the positive and not so much on the negative.
The best retirement tip that can be provided is to just enjoy the moment. Tackle life one day at a time and avoid sweating the small stuff. Life is short and time is precious. Make the most of your federal retirement and take some time to enjoy what life has to offer.
