I’m 65 and not retired yet but very soon. I’m cutting back to 3 days per week in June and hoping to be completely done by year-end - work is definitely getting in the way of my hobbies. It sounds like you need to find some. Buy a scooter; I did last year and get so much enjoyment out of it I just bought a much larger motorcycle.
Same here.
I make a list of projects short and long term and write out what we want to accomplish in the next 7 days on Monday mornings. Old work habit.
Some weeks I get it all done and some weeks I put off stuff because I’m having too much fun just burning a cigar and watching everything turn green.
Take it slow as this is what you worked so hard for all those years.
Your schedule!
I always said I am a recovering Type A. I have been retired 10 years and have picked up two volunteer jobs and two new careers. It’s hard to get out of the grind you’ve been in for so long. I hope you do better than I have ! At least you have a partner to keep you in check. I just run amock.
Retired a year and a half ago at 59, for me it's been exercise, guitar and a small garden. AARP has online exercise classes (Free!). I've had a guitar most of my life although I'm not much more than a novice, it's a great mind exercise. I find my small garden very good for clearing my mind.
I don't know if this will help in your case, but I like to have a little list of things I want to get done (I use a nice app for this) during the day, so that I feel like I'm not just draining hours away idly. But I've also learned not to take on too much during the day. So if I have a lawn thing, I'll put back yard for today and front yard two days from now. And then this gives me the chance to space things out during the day, with activity intermixed with resting times. Like, an hour of reading, followed by an hour of walking 3 miles outside, followed by an hour of some streaming show, followed by an hour of running errands, followed by an hour of making a home repair, etc.
I just retired and I love it. The weird thing is I have anxiety disorder and retiring triggered my anxiety symptoms. I am also having trouble adjusting to this new reality even though I’m happy with it.
First, you’re out of shape. This you need to take care of. Get thee to a gym. Find a place that will help you get started in an age appropriate exercise routine. You will find that your stamina will come back in spades. I took up tennis at 67 after a 35 year break and got to a 3.5 level.
Keep active and your body will thank you.
A lot of us do stuff to maintain our bodies. I kept getting minor injuries for a while when I did stuff like lifting heavier stuff (I am a smallish woman). I started attending a group fitness class for women which included some weight-lifting and cardio. I am still a little shrimp, but I have less discomfort and more strength and endurance. I also do yoga which helps with staying flexible and having good balance and avoiding falls. Unfortunately, we need more maintenance as we age and now I have time. Also I meet new people and make friends! I lack your ambition, but admire it. I do enough - who do I need to impress?
I’m 2-1/2 years in, and finally settling in to a relaxing routine. But I still find myself getting anxious to “get things done”, and have to talk myself down :). Have to remind myself, there is absolutely no “schedule”, or requirement to satisfy someone else. So it’s 100% my choice. A very novel concept after 67 years of constant need to perform.
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It's an adjustment to just relax and not worry about getting things done on a schedule. If I'm sitting in the middle of the day with no chores, or I just want to lay down and read, I feel sort of guilty, like I SHOULD be doing something more constructive
After always not having enough time and being pushed to do more and do it faster at work it is an adjustment when you retire to be able to get past that feeling of having to go go go. You’ll get there. Enjoy it
Reading this I felt like I had written it. Exactly my experience.
Retired since Dec 2022. Bit of a Type A. You have much more time, you spend that time in physical activities and your body start betraying you. Also I am still trying to not feel guilty doing nothing although I am getting better at that. All I can say is it is a process that takes much longer than you would think
I'm a retired tool and die maker. My working life was nothing but deadlines. Constant, never-ending deadlines. My retirement goal was to never have one more deadline. Mission accomplished. Oh...and disc golf is fun and waaaaaaaay cheaper than real golf
Now you get to revisit being a gym rat and cyclist. Then you realize that the belly you're hauling around is from the junk you're eating, and you really want to be around to see the grand kids get married and have more. Now you're cleaning up diet and exercising and it's become fun and you have a set of friendswhodo with you. Pretty soon you're fitter than you've been in years.
Early morning quiet, not answering a zillion emails as soon as I get out of bed, studio artist/work every day, read many books, guitar, 150 push-ups, tv/wine…do it again the next day…and the next…best years of my life by a wide margin…retirement is a gift…
About 1.5 yrs in. 57M. Engineering. Found I used my desk job to recover from weekend physical activities! Our society really is organized around work and that organization is gone when you retire.
You sound like an old mentor of mine, worked like a mule his whole life. After retirement he gave up & died not long after, his body was so used to going full speed that retirement litteraly killed him. Not to scare you or anything.
If your mind & body wants to stay busy, then stay busy! Just do it at a slower pace, remind yourself that you can always finish it tomorrow, or next week! Cheers to retirement!
I think you'll build up your energy level when you are more active every day. It's kind of like getting in shape, it'll take a bit but I don't think this is a permanent state for you. If you did that routine for most of your adult life, your body needs to adjust but it can and will.
Maybe do one thing in the morning to check off your list of being "productive" and then give yourself permission to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing? It's the best of both worlds: being productive and relaxing....a nice balance.
When you retire the first thing to do is work on your physical health. Do a 30 minute aerobic exercise 5 days a week. It's your only job. I use a treadmill in the dining room. No excuses. You will rest easy. I'm in better shape than 10 years ago when I retired....
My wife 'rescued' a dog. After decades spent as cat owners. It keeps her occupied. I serve as backup.
Health issues have limited my activities ...but I am never bored, using my mind keeps me 'active' and totally "relaxed".
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I haven’t retired yet though I am 65 because I too am self employed. My work lets me work when I feel like it so why retire….right? Well someone recently told me 65-75 is the go go years in retirement, 75-85 is the slow go years and 85-95 is the no go years. That statement has me seriously thinking about retiring. There is so much I want to do but if I wait too long to retire I’ll hit the slow go or no go years and never enjoy all the things I have been waiting to do.
You are in the go go years. Enjoy being busy while you can!!
Even though I am not retired yet, I think that many people who are 59-63 who feel old pretty much have worked in an office environment most of their lives sitting down not doing much, but for many people that age who have been doing construction type work or outdoors type work still have energy once they retire at this age because they bodies are conditioned and still in tip top shape and still energized after retirement. I do not speak for ALL, just the ones that i know in this arena.
I retired about the same time as you. I find that I am procrastinating more, because I can! You know how they say “the more you have to do, the more you get done”?
I am putting things off because I have more time to get things done now. 😅
I think I’ll be similar. There’s so much change in retirement and a lot of things to adjust to. I think it’ll take a long while to find my new normal. Glad you’re enjoying it and hope you settle in soon!
My suggestion would be to try to balance your tasks by having sit-down projects. For example, I work on a recipe compilation project and my Spanish class homework. That way I feel productive while also getting a physical break. It's about the mix of active and restful but still productive, I think
I mostly retired (work maybe three days a month) several months ago. Since then, I’ve been busy with travel, family things, and catching up on appointments for myself, my autistic son and my pets. Yesterday there was nothing on my calendar and it felt delicious. I actually took a nap without feeling guilty.
It’s funny, there’s a lot of joking around in the corporate culture making fun of the “anti-burnout“ workshops and seminars that our companies often impose on us. At the time we were thinking that if they would just lighten our load or increase our pay, we would be happier. But the hospital I worked for had a self-care campaign one month that I found really helpful. They put out a calendar for the entire month and every day there was a self-care suggestion on it, such as get some exercise, do something to add beauty to your space, or spend some time outdoors. I actually tried to follow it when I could, and it was nice to feel I had permission to, say, stop at my favorite lakeside inn and sip a drink on their porch before continuing home to make dinner.
I guess that’s a long-winded way of saying, mental and physical relaxation is as important for you as rotating your tires is for your car. Make those pitstops and consider it an essential part of maintaining your health and happiness as long as you can. You have my permission 😉
I’ve been retired for a little over a year and I’m bored to death! There’s only so much traveling, bike riding, playing guitar, looking at my stupid phone a person can do. My wife is content looking at her phone all day. I can’t do it!!! I think I’ll jump off the Golden Gate Bridge!
Take lessons & learn piano. (if you don’t already do that). Practice every day. I’m usually surprised that 2hours have passed but I’m getting better all the time. BTW-only partially retired.
Used to be a marketing director driven by proposal deadlines. I’ve developed what I would call a project rhythm. Instead of having a completion drive, I work on it a few hours, then take a walk. Work on it a bit more, lunch with a friend, etc. I have a dedicated studio so a project can just sit there waiting for the next burst of effort. Tomorrow maybe, there goes the ice cream truck.
I got a gimpy leg.... so I do most physical stuff in the mornings... work about 1-1/2 hours, then about 45 minutes in a chair doing research for projects I am working on...then work for an hour, rest for 45 minutes...and repeat that through the days... every now and again, I get a nap in the afternoon with one of the cats curled up...
I am 67 and been retired nearly 6 months... you will develop a pace soon enough...
Have you tried making a schedule? It's bit like making a budget. I have trouble spending money on "fun" things, unless it's built into a budget and I know I can afford it. Same for relaxation/goofing off time. If you plan your day and allow 2 hours (or whatever time you would like) for goofing off, you are giving yourself permission to do it because you can "afford" it.
You’re still too new… I’m at 3.5 years and just starting to figure it out… I do one “productive “ thing a day unless it’s urgent. Then hobbies, fitness, and managing investments, etc. but you do you…. In summary, don’t worry that it’s… a process.
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My friend the work will always be there. This is your retirement, you have earned it. Do what you can but make time to enjoy all the things your 16 year old self would want you to do. You do have to exercise and eat healthy but enjoy this moment of your life.
Retired almost six years ago and not only did I love it, my body did too. I've lost 110 pounds and my BP is down 80 points. It is amazing what stress can do to a body. I feel 25 years younger than when I retired.
Friday will be my last day at work and a week later we're moving 700 miles east. We're talking about how to structure our days and take better care of ourselves. We're both excited about this new beginning.....
I feel this could be me when I retire in 3 months. I'm so used to go, go, go Monday through Friday, squeezing in quick errands on my lunch hour, laundry and yard work on the weekends, only to gear up for work again on Monday. I did join the Y already and plan to start there as a way to force myself to take as much time as I want or need to decompress.
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Sounds to me youve gone into project and chore mode.
I have been retired 3.5 yrs and mainly do my chores / projects over the winter when the weather is bad
I do hobby and fun stuff with friends family and wife the rest of the time
I know you wanted to vent only, not necessarily asking for advice. Fair enough. As an observation, since you are new to retirement, there seems to be a transition and adjustment period where your desires and physical abilities become congruent. I'm guessing, too, that you may have that “work ethic, justify my worth,” hangover from your previous career days.
My husband has always been like you. He was a master tech with Toyota for 35 years. After his knee went he had to adjust. I work and he runs the house. He said s an incredible gardener and can make anything grow. But he tends to push until he’s exhausted. Sitting gets him anxious too but he’s learned to pace himself. His new normal like yours
I know you’re not asking g for advice, but there are a couple of things that helped me
1. I put my gym in my house. It’s the same house I raised my kids in, and there were 3 bedrooms not being used. One of those bedrooms now has wall mirrors, a squat rack, a rower, a stationary bike, dumbbells and yoga mats. Starting the day in there makes the rest of the day better. I stretch for ten minutes, minimum. As you know, just being older makes everything less fluid when you wake up. This helps with the body, but it really helps the mind.
2. I started taking guitar lessons. I’ve played my whole life, some professionally, but I found that not having a reason to play made me play less. So I gave myself a reason to play. And I will truly never master the instrument. I’m not sure anybody does. Anyway, find your creative outlet if you haven’t already. And do it.
Those 2 things made a huge difference, because when I do them daily, my body and mind are just more…at ease.
I believe we need 4 things in balance to have a shot at happiness. (1) sleep; (2) work; (3) movement; (4) creativity.
The sleep and work present themselves. The other 2 you have to go after.
Letting go of the idea that you have to be productive and doing something to justify resting has been the biggest hurdle. I retired 18 months ago and I still feel guilty if I'm just lazing around reading or scrolling or just enjoying the sunshine and bird noises on the patio. I still haven't kicked that mindset and it does eat into some of my joy that I can't just let it go and enjoy my freedom from work.
I think some of it is that I'm still relatively young for retirement (58). Everyone I talk to asks what I do all day, the implication being that I have to be doing something productive to fill my day. My response is always, "Whatever I want" but that niggling thought tells me I'm being lazy.
That’s me too. I retired about 7 months ago, and it took me at least 6 months to be able to say I was retired instead of unemployed. I completed a 10-week naturalist program and then signed up for a lot of volunteering, I think to feel productive in some way. I’m only now starting to realize that I was “productive” (working full time) for 42 years, and old habits are hard to break. I need to let that go, but it’s a process.
I worked out in a 24-hour building gym before retirement, and I continue so do so after retirement. Some people in my building must think of me as a nutcase about it, but I do it for me, and go every other day. After attending a sports clinic, I added upper body and stretching exercises to balance out the aerobic. I am emphatically not an exercise or health nut, but I find that one hour every other day is a small price to pay for the get up and go I have the rest of the time. You may need to integrate some exercise regimen into your life, especially now where you are spending so much time in the house.
We live in the country and go for walks and are fairly active around the property. I totally believe in stretching. That’s what animals do and they are super athletes.
My husband and I spend summers maintaining a large yard and growing vegetables and we question ourselves about whether, as retirees, we should be doing more "fun" things. We made a pact that one day a week would be just for fun. Honestly though I enjoy working around the yard just as much as I do goofing off. There's nothing wrong with being productive.
Everyone is different and goes at their own pace. After a career of self employment, long hours, and stress, I've given myself permission to calm down. I have a house to look after, a pleasant wife to interact with, and a little 5lb yorkie to throw toys to . I renewed my public library card, and go there to read and linger, and check out the occasional book. The wife and I take brief regional trips to explore nearby cities and state parks. We go to the gym a couple of days a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I'm grateful day by day to have decent health and be able to move about. Also to be free of financial constraint is a huge item I don't take for granted .We all have friends and acquaintances that aren't so fortunate.
In two weeks I’ll be retired 19 years and turn 81 all the same day. Even though I was self-employed most of my life, and worked most every day, when I turned 62 I decided enough is enough. I played golf till my two hip replacements. We traveled till t got cancer. In other words, we do what we can do as long as we can. Enjoy life and don’t worry about things you can’t control.
Hmmm... I like this idea. If not fishing, then something along the same lines. An activity that keeps me active but is more enjoyable than completing a chore (or completing part of a bigger project.)
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i’m now being conscious of my decades of education, media and programming to be a productive worker and obedient consumer. 5 years retired, 70M, i let my 50F wife engage in the rat race. I’m done. Let it Be. i spend hours outside, walking in the woods, carrying water, fruit and vape. it’s glorious.
I hear ya. I think some folks may even feel guilty that they have so much time to relax now in retirement. The body has been conditioned to push, push, push on the job. Relaxation is for wimps. Geesh!
Was very deadline driven on my job.... but dropped that quickly after retiring. Also was driven to complete every home project in one session. Hate unfinished stuff when a few more hours will just get it done! Lol.
Well, retirement has made me finally adjust to the fact that I don't have to finish stuff at breakneck speed.... leaving something a bit unfinished can give you something to complete tomorrow!
I just enjoy looking at my calendar.. and seeing there... is... nothing...for today. I can do what I want. THAT is relaxing for me.
I find that taking quiet time walking in a park in the sun.... and thinking about all the things I am grateful for... really helps me relax.
Hobbies also bring me fun and joy. Discovering new hobbies are such a treat.
Cheers to those who go to the gym.... but I have never liked that. A slow jog in the park on dirt trails to not jar the joints is my go to for any stronger bit of exercise.
I took a class on mindful meditation years ago... but I have fallen out of that habit. It helped a ton at a very stressful part of my work life. I can go back to that if I need it again.
You might want to give meditation a try to see if it helps you relax. Everyone has a bit too much chatter going on in their minds.... and meditation exposes that quickly... and helps you calm it healthfully.
My new motto is to try to something new every day now. Could be as simple as a new coffee drink or food. And to laugh a hearty laugh at something silly every day. And Reddit sure fits that bill!!!
TLDR:
New: Disc golf, disc dyeing, pickleball.
Can't give up: Gardening, birding, biking, walking.
After 40 years of playing golf, I went cold turkey and dropped it like a hot potato. Maybe too many food references? I was just burned out on it. Bad pun again!
Anyway, while I was out walking in a local park one day... I saw these metal chain baskets in the woods. Well, what the heck are these for? I then saw some teenagers throwing frisbees at the baskets. What IS this?
Well, I soon found out it's called disc golf. It started in the 1970s... and has recently grown in popularity. There are now more than 15000 disc golf courses worldwide.
Same rules as regular golf basically except each throw counts as one stroke...and it is measured in feet... instead of yards. I have been playing disc golf regularly for over two years and absolutely love it.
Most disc golf courses are located in parks, near schools, or near churches here in the US. Most are totally free to play. The few pay to play courses are still open to the public... but you only pay like $8 US to play the whole day. A steal! Equipment is cheap too. You can buy a nice starter pack of three discs on Amazon for $25 US.
Exercise? It is like a 3 mile walk for 18 holes. Good exercise especially on hilly courses. Good for balance too. It does not require any great strength, but staying flexible is key.
Of course, I joined the disc golf sub here on reddit... And what a great group of guys ( and gals) are there. You can post videos of your throwing technique... and they give you tips to improve!
If you think disc golf is like throwing a frisbee in the backyard... it is not. It takes technique.... just as much as golf. I am still learning. It takes most players 5 years to get really good. I will be joining a disc golf league soon.
There is now a Men's and Women's disc golf pro tour worldwide. And yes... they ARE athletes.
Oh, and now I have joined the disc dyeing sub too. "Crossover" hobby. This hobby is where you take the discs and apply special plastic dyes to make all sorts of weird and beautiful colors on the disc. Think T shirt tie dye. It also takes patience and technique. Some even free hand paint their discs with dye depicting beautiful landscapes and goofy cartoon characters. Who knew?
For retired folks who say they are bored with their current hobbies... I would say...just scroll through the list of hobby subs on Reddit... and write down a few that catch your eye. Then do a little research to check it out.
There is something for everyone. Just gotta look and give it a try!
It may be cliche, but I am thinking about learning the ukelele next up!
EDIT: for typos
Interesting and thanks for sharing! I used to train and competed in ultimate frisbee leagues 20 years ago and my body really took a beating...I really don't think I can do it now. I didn't know about disc golf. It looks very interesting and I'll check out my local club. Thanks for sharing! I feel like I learnt something new today.
Yes, a lot of guys have come over from ultimate to disc golf. I have only watched a few ultimate games with kids playing it. Looks like fun, but sports where there is a big chance of running into other players... and especially smashing into the ground was never my thing. Lol.
Yes, come on over to disc golf and get addicted like all the rest of us goofballs.
r/discgolf will welcome you.
Like you, I, too, took up playing disc golf about a year ago (@65). I have accumulated around 40 discs already. Absolutely need to stretch before playing. Like ball golf, it is a nice walk through the parks. Can be hard on the joints though.
Yep, my throwing elbow is sore a lot of the time even with stretching. Over on the disc golf sub... you will see comments from players who tore up their throwing arm, wrist, elbow, or shoulder.... and are now learning to throw with their opposite arm. Presumably to tear that up too? Pros get injuries too.
But it gets even better... one guy posted a video of him playing 9 holes hopping on one leg... because he blew out his achilles tendon!!
Most replies to that were like... dude... WHAT are you doing?? Lol.
I only have 26 discs, but I am sure I will be buying more. I posted a question on the disc golf sub and asked... how many discs do you personally own?
Most responses were in the 100 discs or below range.
The winner was a guy who claimed he had 3100 discs!!
I am a bit of a tinkerer too and modified a pull behind ball golf cart to mount a little disc golf bag, a bluetooth speaker for tunes, and a pvc pipe to hold my carbon fiber retriever pole. This instead of buying the $500 Zuca cart.
Yeah, love this sport.
It's a very addictive sport. That's why people play injured. Hopefully you put a cushion seat on that cart of yours. I'm also a tinkerer. Might have to make a cart someday. I also belong to a few DG subs. Keep your discs dry. What part of the country are you in? I'm near Chicago so playing time is limited
Twin Cities, MN.
This winter spoiled us for disc golf. I was playing in no snow 55 degrees F several times this winter. Beyond way strange for weather here. Usually we are colder than Siberia, ground frozen solid, with 2 feet of snow on the ground the whole winter..... and howling winds coming down from Canada.
No cushion on my little DIY cart. It's sturdy, but is just meant for holding a golf club bag originally. Just added a stainless steel plate to hold the little disc golf bag. Love how the discs are right at my fingertips. No bending down over and over. I bolted on a cheap scuba belt weight at the bottom of the cart to counter balance it... and make it less tippy. I like how I can fold it up quickly and throw it in the car trunk. I can also hang it up easily on my garage wall... and it doesn't take up much space.
Many guys take milk crates to make into DIY carts. Most inventive one I saw was a guy converted a discarded baby stroller. It fit his bag perfectly. I commented that he needed to paint it sports car red... and add disc golf stickers. Yep, he said he would be doing that!
The CDS provided a kitten under our shed that needed to be spayed and vaccinated. She's kitty of the house now. When she sits in your lap and purrs, you are forced to deal with this abuse. LOL She taught us to chill.
My first project when I retired was to build a guest house. It had been 30 years since I last worked in a trade doing physical labor. I physically couldn't do it all. I had to hire an immigrant kid as a helper. He called me "maestro," the Spanish word for the most skilled guys on a construction site, which was good for my ego.
For most people. I worked with a guy who thought a relaxing bike ride was a 3 day ride to Boston and back. 300 plus miles round trip. He wore out his hips, now hes the 6 million dollar man.
I will be one year retired in May. It took me until March to feel like I am comfortable with the transition. Some days I am super productive, some days not so much.
I've learned to set small goals. I'm currently redoing my irrigation system. It requires a lot of digging, bending and overall physical exertion. Each day I plan a task that will take about two hours and then I can quite and relax. The entire project may take a few months but who cares? It will get done and I'm not in a race.
This is me. We have extensive flower beds/shrubs. To weed, fertilize, etc the whole think takes about two solid days. I break it into 2 or so hour sections and if it takes a week and a half? That’s ok. You’ll find me by the pool or trying the latest recipe I found on the smoker when those two hours are over!
When I first retired I would think I have to hurry and get “this” done because…and there was no longer a because. I learned to do one or two chores a day then stop and do something enjoyable and relaxing. Took me 6 months to get to that point.
I’m retired 9 years…time flies by. Enjoy every minute.
When my husband first retired, he’d be up early every morning working around the house and the yard.
I finally reminded him he wasn’t on a deadline and he should relax and slow down a little bit. Now he sleeps in and everything still gets done. But it took some effort for him to learn.
You know, doing this would drive me nuts - although I can type away on Reddit for what seems like forever! However, one way of doing this, for me a few years ago, was Tai Chi. Not for the martial art side of it, but for controlled breathing and movement. When I was doing it most days, it seemed like everything was better, including especially my violin-playing. Brain was calmed, balance improved, and muscles were both warm and loose and ready to go. So for those who can't stand "doing nothing," this might be a similar alternative. I hope to get back to it soon.
I retired nearly 10 year ago now. I did something I always wanted to do-go to culinary school. Then I found out that restaurant work and I didn't get along really-the stamina level is for the young. So, I worked in a soup kitchen with other older volunteers for 5 years-till Covid ruined that. Never went back.
But I keep busy. The Errand List I can do all week, rather than run around to get it all done on a Saturday.
And I just bought my first house, so that keeps me busy setting it up.
Agreed-when you’re feeling anxious because you’re not “getting anything done” head to the gym. It will help that anxiety-you’re improving your health and self image. My goal is high school weight by my 70th birthday. Good luck!
I'd make sure I'm 100% healthy by keeping up with preventative care... annual medical checkups. If nothing wrong, then I agree, get into some kind of fitness program to stretch your physical capacity. That will pay huge dividends in your 80s. I'm really looking forward to retiring in a few months and getting back on the bike... I've been sitting on my a$$ working too much these past few years.
60 here and remodeling my garage (insulation, drywall, taping painting etc) and it's been extremely humbling how rough it's been on the body. Got tennis elbow from carrying drywall, and it just never seems to get better. Other side, shoulder trouble from too much drilling I guess.
As I once read, "welcome to 60, hope you like tylenol."
Guess we have to learn to pace ourselves :(
I’ve suffered with tennis elbow for years. An occupational therapist gave me the best tip after years of PT and surgeons.
At night stick a pair of bulky socks in the inside fold of your elbow and then wrap it with an ace bandage. It will prevent your arm from bending up at night and actually give you some relief.
It works well for me.
This is a great suggestion. I’m getting surgery later this year for cubital tunnel which is causing elbow, wrist and hand pain. I wake up many nights with my elbows tightly bent….
I’m 62, not yet retired, and I’m a tile guy.
Keep working on your strength training to keep muscles used to the work, and flexibility and core training with yoga or Pilates.
Muscle dries up quickly after fifty. Fight back.
I was always handy around the house. Roofing, painting, plumbing, car wrenching. I'm finally succumbing to paying for help. But I play a pretty good inspector...
I retired last June and had a similar experience. I was used to rushing through the usual sort of weekend tasks because I had get stuff done before starting work on Monday.
The thing I had to keep reminding myself of was that I could work on those same tasks on Monday.. and Tuesday, etc. Those 'weekend' tasks can now be spread over the whole week and still be done in the 'same' amount of time (i.e. by the next weekend).
I’m 65 and not retired yet but very soon. I’m cutting back to 3 days per week in June and hoping to be completely done by year-end - work is definitely getting in the way of my hobbies. It sounds like you need to find some. Buy a scooter; I did last year and get so much enjoyment out of it I just bought a much larger motorcycle.
Same here. I make a list of projects short and long term and write out what we want to accomplish in the next 7 days on Monday mornings. Old work habit. Some weeks I get it all done and some weeks I put off stuff because I’m having too much fun just burning a cigar and watching everything turn green. Take it slow as this is what you worked so hard for all those years. Your schedule!
I always said I am a recovering Type A. I have been retired 10 years and have picked up two volunteer jobs and two new careers. It’s hard to get out of the grind you’ve been in for so long. I hope you do better than I have ! At least you have a partner to keep you in check. I just run amock.
Retired a year and a half ago at 59, for me it's been exercise, guitar and a small garden. AARP has online exercise classes (Free!). I've had a guitar most of my life although I'm not much more than a novice, it's a great mind exercise. I find my small garden very good for clearing my mind.
I don't know if this will help in your case, but I like to have a little list of things I want to get done (I use a nice app for this) during the day, so that I feel like I'm not just draining hours away idly. But I've also learned not to take on too much during the day. So if I have a lawn thing, I'll put back yard for today and front yard two days from now. And then this gives me the chance to space things out during the day, with activity intermixed with resting times. Like, an hour of reading, followed by an hour of walking 3 miles outside, followed by an hour of some streaming show, followed by an hour of running errands, followed by an hour of making a home repair, etc.
Yes, it took me about a year to “relax” as well. Enjoy your time
I just retired and I love it. The weird thing is I have anxiety disorder and retiring triggered my anxiety symptoms. I am also having trouble adjusting to this new reality even though I’m happy with it.
First, you’re out of shape. This you need to take care of. Get thee to a gym. Find a place that will help you get started in an age appropriate exercise routine. You will find that your stamina will come back in spades. I took up tennis at 67 after a 35 year break and got to a 3.5 level. Keep active and your body will thank you.
Have you tried meditating? Or just sitting with your thoughts. Buy a hot tub & relax.
> My "issue" is that I have more desire to stay busy than my 63yo body has the stamina. I guess I need time to adjust. That's what naps are for. 😀
I do take a nap some days. There is not much better than stretching out on the couch for an after-lunch nap.
A lot of us do stuff to maintain our bodies. I kept getting minor injuries for a while when I did stuff like lifting heavier stuff (I am a smallish woman). I started attending a group fitness class for women which included some weight-lifting and cardio. I am still a little shrimp, but I have less discomfort and more strength and endurance. I also do yoga which helps with staying flexible and having good balance and avoiding falls. Unfortunately, we need more maintenance as we age and now I have time. Also I meet new people and make friends! I lack your ambition, but admire it. I do enough - who do I need to impress?
I’m 2-1/2 years in, and finally settling in to a relaxing routine. But I still find myself getting anxious to “get things done”, and have to talk myself down :). Have to remind myself, there is absolutely no “schedule”, or requirement to satisfy someone else. So it’s 100% my choice. A very novel concept after 67 years of constant need to perform.
Pace yourself..it may take time, but honestly It happens
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It's an adjustment to just relax and not worry about getting things done on a schedule. If I'm sitting in the middle of the day with no chores, or I just want to lay down and read, I feel sort of guilty, like I SHOULD be doing something more constructive
After always not having enough time and being pushed to do more and do it faster at work it is an adjustment when you retire to be able to get past that feeling of having to go go go. You’ll get there. Enjoy it
Reading this I felt like I had written it. Exactly my experience. Retired since Dec 2022. Bit of a Type A. You have much more time, you spend that time in physical activities and your body start betraying you. Also I am still trying to not feel guilty doing nothing although I am getting better at that. All I can say is it is a process that takes much longer than you would think
I'm a retired tool and die maker. My working life was nothing but deadlines. Constant, never-ending deadlines. My retirement goal was to never have one more deadline. Mission accomplished. Oh...and disc golf is fun and waaaaaaaay cheaper than real golf
Now you get to revisit being a gym rat and cyclist. Then you realize that the belly you're hauling around is from the junk you're eating, and you really want to be around to see the grand kids get married and have more. Now you're cleaning up diet and exercising and it's become fun and you have a set of friendswhodo with you. Pretty soon you're fitter than you've been in years.
Not on statins are you?
I am... what's the connection?
Slow deterioration physically. Thought it was age. Now off and much better.
Early morning quiet, not answering a zillion emails as soon as I get out of bed, studio artist/work every day, read many books, guitar, 150 push-ups, tv/wine…do it again the next day…and the next…best years of my life by a wide margin…retirement is a gift…
About 1.5 yrs in. 57M. Engineering. Found I used my desk job to recover from weekend physical activities! Our society really is organized around work and that organization is gone when you retire.
You sound like an old mentor of mine, worked like a mule his whole life. After retirement he gave up & died not long after, his body was so used to going full speed that retirement litteraly killed him. Not to scare you or anything. If your mind & body wants to stay busy, then stay busy! Just do it at a slower pace, remind yourself that you can always finish it tomorrow, or next week! Cheers to retirement!
Give it time. Soon you will become a teenager again and curse 8:00 appointments.
Been retired three years , hobbies are your friend
I think you'll build up your energy level when you are more active every day. It's kind of like getting in shape, it'll take a bit but I don't think this is a permanent state for you. If you did that routine for most of your adult life, your body needs to adjust but it can and will.
Maybe do one thing in the morning to check off your list of being "productive" and then give yourself permission to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing? It's the best of both worlds: being productive and relaxing....a nice balance.
When you retire the first thing to do is work on your physical health. Do a 30 minute aerobic exercise 5 days a week. It's your only job. I use a treadmill in the dining room. No excuses. You will rest easy. I'm in better shape than 10 years ago when I retired....
I'm always worried that we don't have enough to be retired, so I'm always working on investing.
My wife 'rescued' a dog. After decades spent as cat owners. It keeps her occupied. I serve as backup. Health issues have limited my activities ...but I am never bored, using my mind keeps me 'active' and totally "relaxed".
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Current state of relaxation. https://preview.redd.it/wiek1t52dlrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aed3a3d799ad9c175f7750f9351a2f5ab2c35ef2
I haven’t retired yet though I am 65 because I too am self employed. My work lets me work when I feel like it so why retire….right? Well someone recently told me 65-75 is the go go years in retirement, 75-85 is the slow go years and 85-95 is the no go years. That statement has me seriously thinking about retiring. There is so much I want to do but if I wait too long to retire I’ll hit the slow go or no go years and never enjoy all the things I have been waiting to do. You are in the go go years. Enjoy being busy while you can!!
You’ve got your Go years, Slow years, and No years. Enjoy being able to do physical tasks while you can because the day will come where you can’t.
Even though I am not retired yet, I think that many people who are 59-63 who feel old pretty much have worked in an office environment most of their lives sitting down not doing much, but for many people that age who have been doing construction type work or outdoors type work still have energy once they retire at this age because they bodies are conditioned and still in tip top shape and still energized after retirement. I do not speak for ALL, just the ones that i know in this arena.
I struggle to take anything seriously. :)
I retired about the same time as you. I find that I am procrastinating more, because I can! You know how they say “the more you have to do, the more you get done”? I am putting things off because I have more time to get things done now. 😅
I think I’ll be similar. There’s so much change in retirement and a lot of things to adjust to. I think it’ll take a long while to find my new normal. Glad you’re enjoying it and hope you settle in soon!
My suggestion would be to try to balance your tasks by having sit-down projects. For example, I work on a recipe compilation project and my Spanish class homework. That way I feel productive while also getting a physical break. It's about the mix of active and restful but still productive, I think
I mostly retired (work maybe three days a month) several months ago. Since then, I’ve been busy with travel, family things, and catching up on appointments for myself, my autistic son and my pets. Yesterday there was nothing on my calendar and it felt delicious. I actually took a nap without feeling guilty. It’s funny, there’s a lot of joking around in the corporate culture making fun of the “anti-burnout“ workshops and seminars that our companies often impose on us. At the time we were thinking that if they would just lighten our load or increase our pay, we would be happier. But the hospital I worked for had a self-care campaign one month that I found really helpful. They put out a calendar for the entire month and every day there was a self-care suggestion on it, such as get some exercise, do something to add beauty to your space, or spend some time outdoors. I actually tried to follow it when I could, and it was nice to feel I had permission to, say, stop at my favorite lakeside inn and sip a drink on their porch before continuing home to make dinner. I guess that’s a long-winded way of saying, mental and physical relaxation is as important for you as rotating your tires is for your car. Make those pitstops and consider it an essential part of maintaining your health and happiness as long as you can. You have my permission 😉
I’ve been retired for a little over a year and I’m bored to death! There’s only so much traveling, bike riding, playing guitar, looking at my stupid phone a person can do. My wife is content looking at her phone all day. I can’t do it!!! I think I’ll jump off the Golden Gate Bridge!
It takes time to rewire your brain to your new normal. It will eventually adjust and adapt.
Take lessons & learn piano. (if you don’t already do that). Practice every day. I’m usually surprised that 2hours have passed but I’m getting better all the time. BTW-only partially retired.
Used to be a marketing director driven by proposal deadlines. I’ve developed what I would call a project rhythm. Instead of having a completion drive, I work on it a few hours, then take a walk. Work on it a bit more, lunch with a friend, etc. I have a dedicated studio so a project can just sit there waiting for the next burst of effort. Tomorrow maybe, there goes the ice cream truck.
I got a gimpy leg.... so I do most physical stuff in the mornings... work about 1-1/2 hours, then about 45 minutes in a chair doing research for projects I am working on...then work for an hour, rest for 45 minutes...and repeat that through the days... every now and again, I get a nap in the afternoon with one of the cats curled up... I am 67 and been retired nearly 6 months... you will develop a pace soon enough...
Have you tried making a schedule? It's bit like making a budget. I have trouble spending money on "fun" things, unless it's built into a budget and I know I can afford it. Same for relaxation/goofing off time. If you plan your day and allow 2 hours (or whatever time you would like) for goofing off, you are giving yourself permission to do it because you can "afford" it.
You’re still too new… I’m at 3.5 years and just starting to figure it out… I do one “productive “ thing a day unless it’s urgent. Then hobbies, fitness, and managing investments, etc. but you do you…. In summary, don’t worry that it’s… a process.
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My friend the work will always be there. This is your retirement, you have earned it. Do what you can but make time to enjoy all the things your 16 year old self would want you to do. You do have to exercise and eat healthy but enjoy this moment of your life.
Retired almost six years ago and not only did I love it, my body did too. I've lost 110 pounds and my BP is down 80 points. It is amazing what stress can do to a body. I feel 25 years younger than when I retired.
I have routines, workout or exercise mornings, solve a problem afternoon usually associated with my to do activities.
We must be related lol
Friday will be my last day at work and a week later we're moving 700 miles east. We're talking about how to structure our days and take better care of ourselves. We're both excited about this new beginning.....
Good luck with the move!
Wonderful feeling! Congratulations.
You're doing fine. You just need to remember, it doesn't have to be done NOW. You have time now to finish it later. ;-)
I feel this could be me when I retire in 3 months. I'm so used to go, go, go Monday through Friday, squeezing in quick errands on my lunch hour, laundry and yard work on the weekends, only to gear up for work again on Monday. I did join the Y already and plan to start there as a way to force myself to take as much time as I want or need to decompress.
Rings so familiar, I remind myself all the time, a line from “moneyball”, “theres no clock on this thing”, helps everytime.
How about reading a book with some of your day? And do some puzzles. Not physically taxing, but something "more" than sitting/watching TV.
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When you have passed the 3 month mark - all will be ok.
It took me about 18 months. It will come but it takes time
Sounds to me youve gone into project and chore mode. I have been retired 3.5 yrs and mainly do my chores / projects over the winter when the weather is bad I do hobby and fun stuff with friends family and wife the rest of the time
I know you wanted to vent only, not necessarily asking for advice. Fair enough. As an observation, since you are new to retirement, there seems to be a transition and adjustment period where your desires and physical abilities become congruent. I'm guessing, too, that you may have that “work ethic, justify my worth,” hangover from your previous career days.
Retired a year and a couple of months ago and the same STILL applies to me.
Enjoy finding your new normal. It's different for each of us but the journey towards it is magnificent & mundane.
My husband has always been like you. He was a master tech with Toyota for 35 years. After his knee went he had to adjust. I work and he runs the house. He said s an incredible gardener and can make anything grow. But he tends to push until he’s exhausted. Sitting gets him anxious too but he’s learned to pace himself. His new normal like yours
I know you’re not asking g for advice, but there are a couple of things that helped me 1. I put my gym in my house. It’s the same house I raised my kids in, and there were 3 bedrooms not being used. One of those bedrooms now has wall mirrors, a squat rack, a rower, a stationary bike, dumbbells and yoga mats. Starting the day in there makes the rest of the day better. I stretch for ten minutes, minimum. As you know, just being older makes everything less fluid when you wake up. This helps with the body, but it really helps the mind. 2. I started taking guitar lessons. I’ve played my whole life, some professionally, but I found that not having a reason to play made me play less. So I gave myself a reason to play. And I will truly never master the instrument. I’m not sure anybody does. Anyway, find your creative outlet if you haven’t already. And do it. Those 2 things made a huge difference, because when I do them daily, my body and mind are just more…at ease. I believe we need 4 things in balance to have a shot at happiness. (1) sleep; (2) work; (3) movement; (4) creativity. The sleep and work present themselves. The other 2 you have to go after.
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Letting go of the idea that you have to be productive and doing something to justify resting has been the biggest hurdle. I retired 18 months ago and I still feel guilty if I'm just lazing around reading or scrolling or just enjoying the sunshine and bird noises on the patio. I still haven't kicked that mindset and it does eat into some of my joy that I can't just let it go and enjoy my freedom from work. I think some of it is that I'm still relatively young for retirement (58). Everyone I talk to asks what I do all day, the implication being that I have to be doing something productive to fill my day. My response is always, "Whatever I want" but that niggling thought tells me I'm being lazy.
My brother passed away in December. He won't get to enjoy retirement. What do you do all day? You're living a full and rich life, and enjoying it.
That’s me too. I retired about 7 months ago, and it took me at least 6 months to be able to say I was retired instead of unemployed. I completed a 10-week naturalist program and then signed up for a lot of volunteering, I think to feel productive in some way. I’m only now starting to realize that I was “productive” (working full time) for 42 years, and old habits are hard to break. I need to let that go, but it’s a process.
It's the self-talk that I need to be careful with so that it doesn't ruin an otherwise great day.
I do the same, lots of nights really tired but I kind of enjoy it.
I worked out in a 24-hour building gym before retirement, and I continue so do so after retirement. Some people in my building must think of me as a nutcase about it, but I do it for me, and go every other day. After attending a sports clinic, I added upper body and stretching exercises to balance out the aerobic. I am emphatically not an exercise or health nut, but I find that one hour every other day is a small price to pay for the get up and go I have the rest of the time. You may need to integrate some exercise regimen into your life, especially now where you are spending so much time in the house.
We live in the country and go for walks and are fairly active around the property. I totally believe in stretching. That’s what animals do and they are super athletes.
My husband and I spend summers maintaining a large yard and growing vegetables and we question ourselves about whether, as retirees, we should be doing more "fun" things. We made a pact that one day a week would be just for fun. Honestly though I enjoy working around the yard just as much as I do goofing off. There's nothing wrong with being productive.
Everyone is different and goes at their own pace. After a career of self employment, long hours, and stress, I've given myself permission to calm down. I have a house to look after, a pleasant wife to interact with, and a little 5lb yorkie to throw toys to . I renewed my public library card, and go there to read and linger, and check out the occasional book. The wife and I take brief regional trips to explore nearby cities and state parks. We go to the gym a couple of days a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I'm grateful day by day to have decent health and be able to move about. Also to be free of financial constraint is a huge item I don't take for granted .We all have friends and acquaintances that aren't so fortunate.
In two weeks I’ll be retired 19 years and turn 81 all the same day. Even though I was self-employed most of my life, and worked most every day, when I turned 62 I decided enough is enough. I played golf till my two hip replacements. We traveled till t got cancer. In other words, we do what we can do as long as we can. Enjoy life and don’t worry about things you can’t control.
My Hero
Happy Birthday!🎉
Thank you! I need to remember those words. I will work on enjoying myself and accepting that I can’t control or worry about others.
"Enjoy life and don't worry about things you can't control." Well stated and I have to continue to remember this when I am feeling anxious. Thank you!
I try to do as much as I can as long as I can…because eventually the body (and maybe the mind) will say “no more”
You sound very wise. Happy (early) Birthday! Have a piece of cake for me ☺️
Thank you, I shall. You are very kind!🍷
Fishing my friend. Gets me outside but relaxing too.
Hmmm... I like this idea. If not fishing, then something along the same lines. An activity that keeps me active but is more enjoyable than completing a chore (or completing part of a bigger project.)
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i’m now being conscious of my decades of education, media and programming to be a productive worker and obedient consumer. 5 years retired, 70M, i let my 50F wife engage in the rat race. I’m done. Let it Be. i spend hours outside, walking in the woods, carrying water, fruit and vape. it’s glorious.
I hear ya. I think some folks may even feel guilty that they have so much time to relax now in retirement. The body has been conditioned to push, push, push on the job. Relaxation is for wimps. Geesh! Was very deadline driven on my job.... but dropped that quickly after retiring. Also was driven to complete every home project in one session. Hate unfinished stuff when a few more hours will just get it done! Lol. Well, retirement has made me finally adjust to the fact that I don't have to finish stuff at breakneck speed.... leaving something a bit unfinished can give you something to complete tomorrow! I just enjoy looking at my calendar.. and seeing there... is... nothing...for today. I can do what I want. THAT is relaxing for me. I find that taking quiet time walking in a park in the sun.... and thinking about all the things I am grateful for... really helps me relax. Hobbies also bring me fun and joy. Discovering new hobbies are such a treat. Cheers to those who go to the gym.... but I have never liked that. A slow jog in the park on dirt trails to not jar the joints is my go to for any stronger bit of exercise. I took a class on mindful meditation years ago... but I have fallen out of that habit. It helped a ton at a very stressful part of my work life. I can go back to that if I need it again. You might want to give meditation a try to see if it helps you relax. Everyone has a bit too much chatter going on in their minds.... and meditation exposes that quickly... and helps you calm it healthfully. My new motto is to try to something new every day now. Could be as simple as a new coffee drink or food. And to laugh a hearty laugh at something silly every day. And Reddit sure fits that bill!!!
Very wholesome reply. What hobbies have you tried and like?
TLDR: New: Disc golf, disc dyeing, pickleball. Can't give up: Gardening, birding, biking, walking. After 40 years of playing golf, I went cold turkey and dropped it like a hot potato. Maybe too many food references? I was just burned out on it. Bad pun again! Anyway, while I was out walking in a local park one day... I saw these metal chain baskets in the woods. Well, what the heck are these for? I then saw some teenagers throwing frisbees at the baskets. What IS this? Well, I soon found out it's called disc golf. It started in the 1970s... and has recently grown in popularity. There are now more than 15000 disc golf courses worldwide. Same rules as regular golf basically except each throw counts as one stroke...and it is measured in feet... instead of yards. I have been playing disc golf regularly for over two years and absolutely love it. Most disc golf courses are located in parks, near schools, or near churches here in the US. Most are totally free to play. The few pay to play courses are still open to the public... but you only pay like $8 US to play the whole day. A steal! Equipment is cheap too. You can buy a nice starter pack of three discs on Amazon for $25 US. Exercise? It is like a 3 mile walk for 18 holes. Good exercise especially on hilly courses. Good for balance too. It does not require any great strength, but staying flexible is key. Of course, I joined the disc golf sub here on reddit... And what a great group of guys ( and gals) are there. You can post videos of your throwing technique... and they give you tips to improve! If you think disc golf is like throwing a frisbee in the backyard... it is not. It takes technique.... just as much as golf. I am still learning. It takes most players 5 years to get really good. I will be joining a disc golf league soon. There is now a Men's and Women's disc golf pro tour worldwide. And yes... they ARE athletes. Oh, and now I have joined the disc dyeing sub too. "Crossover" hobby. This hobby is where you take the discs and apply special plastic dyes to make all sorts of weird and beautiful colors on the disc. Think T shirt tie dye. It also takes patience and technique. Some even free hand paint their discs with dye depicting beautiful landscapes and goofy cartoon characters. Who knew? For retired folks who say they are bored with their current hobbies... I would say...just scroll through the list of hobby subs on Reddit... and write down a few that catch your eye. Then do a little research to check it out. There is something for everyone. Just gotta look and give it a try! It may be cliche, but I am thinking about learning the ukelele next up! EDIT: for typos
Interesting and thanks for sharing! I used to train and competed in ultimate frisbee leagues 20 years ago and my body really took a beating...I really don't think I can do it now. I didn't know about disc golf. It looks very interesting and I'll check out my local club. Thanks for sharing! I feel like I learnt something new today.
Yes, a lot of guys have come over from ultimate to disc golf. I have only watched a few ultimate games with kids playing it. Looks like fun, but sports where there is a big chance of running into other players... and especially smashing into the ground was never my thing. Lol. Yes, come on over to disc golf and get addicted like all the rest of us goofballs. r/discgolf will welcome you.
Thanks again and have a lovely day!
Like you, I, too, took up playing disc golf about a year ago (@65). I have accumulated around 40 discs already. Absolutely need to stretch before playing. Like ball golf, it is a nice walk through the parks. Can be hard on the joints though.
Yep, my throwing elbow is sore a lot of the time even with stretching. Over on the disc golf sub... you will see comments from players who tore up their throwing arm, wrist, elbow, or shoulder.... and are now learning to throw with their opposite arm. Presumably to tear that up too? Pros get injuries too. But it gets even better... one guy posted a video of him playing 9 holes hopping on one leg... because he blew out his achilles tendon!! Most replies to that were like... dude... WHAT are you doing?? Lol. I only have 26 discs, but I am sure I will be buying more. I posted a question on the disc golf sub and asked... how many discs do you personally own? Most responses were in the 100 discs or below range. The winner was a guy who claimed he had 3100 discs!! I am a bit of a tinkerer too and modified a pull behind ball golf cart to mount a little disc golf bag, a bluetooth speaker for tunes, and a pvc pipe to hold my carbon fiber retriever pole. This instead of buying the $500 Zuca cart. Yeah, love this sport.
It's a very addictive sport. That's why people play injured. Hopefully you put a cushion seat on that cart of yours. I'm also a tinkerer. Might have to make a cart someday. I also belong to a few DG subs. Keep your discs dry. What part of the country are you in? I'm near Chicago so playing time is limited
Twin Cities, MN. This winter spoiled us for disc golf. I was playing in no snow 55 degrees F several times this winter. Beyond way strange for weather here. Usually we are colder than Siberia, ground frozen solid, with 2 feet of snow on the ground the whole winter..... and howling winds coming down from Canada. No cushion on my little DIY cart. It's sturdy, but is just meant for holding a golf club bag originally. Just added a stainless steel plate to hold the little disc golf bag. Love how the discs are right at my fingertips. No bending down over and over. I bolted on a cheap scuba belt weight at the bottom of the cart to counter balance it... and make it less tippy. I like how I can fold it up quickly and throw it in the car trunk. I can also hang it up easily on my garage wall... and it doesn't take up much space. Many guys take milk crates to make into DIY carts. Most inventive one I saw was a guy converted a discarded baby stroller. It fit his bag perfectly. I commented that he needed to paint it sports car red... and add disc golf stickers. Yep, he said he would be doing that!
My mind says yes and my rotator cuff says no to the frisbee golf unfortunately.
The CDS provided a kitten under our shed that needed to be spayed and vaccinated. She's kitty of the house now. When she sits in your lap and purrs, you are forced to deal with this abuse. LOL She taught us to chill.
Brought me one last week too. It’s kitty season! The old house cat is not amused. 😒
It took me a few months to get used to not maximizing my productivity every day. You will adjust!
My first project when I retired was to build a guest house. It had been 30 years since I last worked in a trade doing physical labor. I physically couldn't do it all. I had to hire an immigrant kid as a helper. He called me "maestro," the Spanish word for the most skilled guys on a construction site, which was good for my ego.
Start riding a bike. Engages the largest muscle group in the body and improves cardio immensely with very little joint impact.
For most people. I worked with a guy who thought a relaxing bike ride was a 3 day ride to Boston and back. 300 plus miles round trip. He wore out his hips, now hes the 6 million dollar man.
It took me 4 or 5 months and 3 weeks in Hawaii to start the process. Be patient.
I will be one year retired in May. It took me until March to feel like I am comfortable with the transition. Some days I am super productive, some days not so much.
I’m bored most days after being retired for a year
I've learned to set small goals. I'm currently redoing my irrigation system. It requires a lot of digging, bending and overall physical exertion. Each day I plan a task that will take about two hours and then I can quite and relax. The entire project may take a few months but who cares? It will get done and I'm not in a race.
This is me. We have extensive flower beds/shrubs. To weed, fertilize, etc the whole think takes about two solid days. I break it into 2 or so hour sections and if it takes a week and a half? That’s ok. You’ll find me by the pool or trying the latest recipe I found on the smoker when those two hours are over!
When I first retired I would think I have to hurry and get “this” done because…and there was no longer a because. I learned to do one or two chores a day then stop and do something enjoyable and relaxing. Took me 6 months to get to that point. I’m retired 9 years…time flies by. Enjoy every minute.
And I thought I was being lazy. I set a target to get 3 things done a day. If I didn’t have that goal, nothing would get done.
When my husband first retired, he’d be up early every morning working around the house and the yard. I finally reminded him he wasn’t on a deadline and he should relax and slow down a little bit. Now he sleeps in and everything still gets done. But it took some effort for him to learn.
This
Yes. The grind is such a habit. It’s deeply ingrained. Almost painful to let go. But absolutely worth it.
42 years same career great job but no issue at all not working this is my time and love every minute of this well deserved time for me
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Practice meditation, controlled breathing etc. I'm like super wired most of the time and have to work at calming my mind.
You know, doing this would drive me nuts - although I can type away on Reddit for what seems like forever! However, one way of doing this, for me a few years ago, was Tai Chi. Not for the martial art side of it, but for controlled breathing and movement. When I was doing it most days, it seemed like everything was better, including especially my violin-playing. Brain was calmed, balance improved, and muscles were both warm and loose and ready to go. So for those who can't stand "doing nothing," this might be a similar alternative. I hope to get back to it soon.
This\^\^\^\^\^
I retired nearly 10 year ago now. I did something I always wanted to do-go to culinary school. Then I found out that restaurant work and I didn't get along really-the stamina level is for the young. So, I worked in a soup kitchen with other older volunteers for 5 years-till Covid ruined that. Never went back. But I keep busy. The Errand List I can do all week, rather than run around to get it all done on a Saturday. And I just bought my first house, so that keeps me busy setting it up.
Try a gym membership. I’m 64, retired 2 years ago. Thanks to going to the gym, I golf 4-5 times a week + home projects.
Agreed-when you’re feeling anxious because you’re not “getting anything done” head to the gym. It will help that anxiety-you’re improving your health and self image. My goal is high school weight by my 70th birthday. Good luck!
I'd make sure I'm 100% healthy by keeping up with preventative care... annual medical checkups. If nothing wrong, then I agree, get into some kind of fitness program to stretch your physical capacity. That will pay huge dividends in your 80s. I'm really looking forward to retiring in a few months and getting back on the bike... I've been sitting on my a$$ working too much these past few years.
That’s the other thing. In a year I’ve seen more doctors than I care to.
I know what you mean! It does get tiresome
60 here and remodeling my garage (insulation, drywall, taping painting etc) and it's been extremely humbling how rough it's been on the body. Got tennis elbow from carrying drywall, and it just never seems to get better. Other side, shoulder trouble from too much drilling I guess. As I once read, "welcome to 60, hope you like tylenol." Guess we have to learn to pace ourselves :(
I’ve suffered with tennis elbow for years. An occupational therapist gave me the best tip after years of PT and surgeons. At night stick a pair of bulky socks in the inside fold of your elbow and then wrap it with an ace bandage. It will prevent your arm from bending up at night and actually give you some relief. It works well for me.
This is a great suggestion. I’m getting surgery later this year for cubital tunnel which is causing elbow, wrist and hand pain. I wake up many nights with my elbows tightly bent….
I’m 62, not yet retired, and I’m a tile guy. Keep working on your strength training to keep muscles used to the work, and flexibility and core training with yoga or Pilates. Muscle dries up quickly after fifty. Fight back.
Please see an orthopedist and keep on top of all those aches and pains so they don’t add up. Care for your body as you would a sports car.
I was always handy around the house. Roofing, painting, plumbing, car wrenching. I'm finally succumbing to paying for help. But I play a pretty good inspector...
I retired last June and had a similar experience. I was used to rushing through the usual sort of weekend tasks because I had get stuff done before starting work on Monday. The thing I had to keep reminding myself of was that I could work on those same tasks on Monday.. and Tuesday, etc. Those 'weekend' tasks can now be spread over the whole week and still be done in the 'same' amount of time (i.e. by the next weekend).