Nervous About Retirement? Here's How To Ease Your Worries

Your alarm woke you up at the same time each morning during the work week. You got out of bed, brushed your teeth, combed your hair, and selected your outfit for your day.

After you got ready, you headed to your kitchen, grabbed something to eat and drink, packed your lunch, and headed out the door.

For as long as you can remember, you've followed the same routine.

Work is part of your daily routine. It's your livelihood. It's become part of who you are as a person. Your retirement date is creeping closer. Although you're excited about retiring, you'd be lying if you weren't equally as anxious, uncertain, or even fearful about it.

Nervous About Retirement? This is how to ease your worries.

Find a New Purpose

A lot of people choose to make their career part of their identity. When people retire, they may find themselves feeling like they don't have a purpose or meaning in life anymore. Retiring doesn't mean you can never work again. If you don't want to fully retire, you may be able to work with your current job by filling in on a part-time basis. You may even be able to find another part-time job at a different company or in an industry you're more passionate about. Volunteering is also a great option for finding purpose and meaning again. If you don't want to work full-time anymore, volunteering, especially for a company you love and support, can be a great way to feel like you're adding some good to the world again.

Take Care of Yourself

Big life changes can impact your mental and physical health. Make sure you're still taking time to meet your basic human needs. Go to bed around the same time each night and wake up around the same time each morning. Keeping a consistent routine can help you keep your body and mind healthy. Cook healthy and well-balanced meals throughout the day. Dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to moving your body. Try a new workout class in your area. Hop on an indoor cycling bike or ride your bicycle around your neighborhood. You can also try walking, jogging, or hiking.

Manage Your Stress and Anxiety

Retiring can bring on additional stressors related to finances, relationships, and overall health. It's important to try to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to managing any stressors. Try incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routines like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Start journaling to get your thoughts and feelings on paper instead of holding them inside. You can also repeat mantras or practice gratitude. Find what works best for you and stick with it.

Lean On Your Loved Ones

Your loved ones are there for you through the good times and the bad times. Lean on them during this time. Let them know how you're feeling. Share some of your worries with them. They'll be able to provide some support for this change in your life. Plus, they may even be able to personally relate. You may have friends or family members that have gone through retirement themselves. They'll be able to share their own experience and help you realize you're not alone in some of your thoughts and feelings.

Seek Additional Support

Change is hard for anyone. A big life change like retiring isn't an easy adjustment to make. It's okay if you're feeling a little nervous about retiring. You've spent years waking up, going to work, and spending your days with a purpose. It makes complete sense if you have some worries or uneasiness about this upcoming change in your life.

That being said, you're not alone. A therapist can help you work through those negative thoughts and feelings you're having. They'll be able to help you get through this change in your life and help you move forward in this new chapter.

If you're interested in therapy for a life change like retiring, reach out to us today to set up a consultation for anxiety treatment.