Some people experience a range of emotions during retirement, often cycling through five stages: planning, excitement, honeymoon, disenchantment, and finally, reorientation and stability. Adjusting to retirement may take time, and it’s normal to encounter a variety of feelings along the way.

1. Initial Freedom: The first stage often feels like an extended vacation, full of freedom and novelty.

2. Settling In: As the novelty wears off, you may experience feelings of anxiety or boredom.

3. Reflection: Thoughts of “What did I do?” may arise, leading to apprehension or guilt for not enjoying retirement as much as anticipated.

4. Reorientation: Over time, you begin to reorient yourself and find a new rhythm.

5. Stability: Eventually, you achieve a sense of stability and contentment in your new routine.

However, like the stages of grief, these models have faced criticism as many people experience a myriad of other stages and experiences. It might be wise to identify what you’re currently facing in your retirement. Examples could be loneliness, boredom, or difficulty sitting still. From there, you can name it and possibly start to do your own individual research around this on your own or with a therapist. The idea is to keep checking in with yourself rather than adhering to generic stages or models.

Many professionals suggest finding structure, such as:

• Establishing a Routine: Even without a job, having a set wake-up time and regular activities can provide a sense of normalcy.

• Planning Your Weeks: Schedule time for relaxation, exercise, social activities, volunteer opportunities, and family meals.

However, what might it be like to start embracing the uncertainty of having no structure and welcoming the idea of randomness? Embracing your retirement freedom could give you the opportunity to relish in the concept of not being in control or living in predictive patterns.

Professionals often suggest ways to manage worries, such as:

• Acknowledging Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

• Acceptance and Action: Focus on what you can control and create a plan to address your concerns. Write down worries and brainstorm solutions.

• Seeking Professional Advice: Engage with professionals and community services to help facilitate your transition.

While some of these pointers may be useful, worrying is part of the human condition. Instead of taming your worries, try to understand them. What is underneath this worry? What is it showing you about yourself and your life? With the luxury of time in retirement, you might ponder these questions with curiosity.

While setting goals can be beneficial, retirement might be a time to challenge this way of being. What happens when you stop setting goals? Allow yourself to wonder, reflect, or just be without goals. Instead of running a half marathon, you might join a walking club or simply enjoy daily walks around the block.

Maintaining connections is important and examples may include:

• Scheduling Regular Meetups: Arrange weekly lunches, walks, or coffee dates with friends.

• Engaging in Social Activities: Join community groups, hobby clubs, or volunteer organizations to meet new people.

• Staying Connected: Foster existing relationships and seek out new friendships to combat feelings of isolation.

However, this is also a time to possibly stand with yourself and build a deeper connection with yourself. Retirement could be a time to enjoy solitude and see what it’s like to spend extended periods in your own company.

Some ways to manage emotions include:

• Embracing Your Emotions: Don’t try to numb feelings of uncertainty or fear.

• Seeking Support: It’s okay to seek help from friends, family, or professionals.

• Being Flexible: Allow yourself the freedom to explore and redefine what you want from retirement.

However, in retirement, you are your own boss. Choose when to work through these emotions and when to relax. There is no right or wrong way to navigate the emotions of retirement.

Retirement is often seen as a time to dream big and explore new passions. Whether it’s learning a new instrument, volunteering, pursuing further education, or embarking on adventurous activities, the possibilities are endless.

However, some may prefer the comfort of their home or a minimalist lifestyle. Retirement is a time to create a vision of how you want it to be. Experiment with various activities to find the right balance for you.

Remember, retirement is not the end of the road but the beginning of the open highway. It’s about retiring from work, not from life itself.