Many people look forward to their retirement. This is, of course, understandable. After working for many years, the opportunity to relax and do the things we’ve put off for lack of time, is very appealing. We imagine kicking back, lingering over our coffee and being free of external demands. We envision doing things we love to do such as traveling or exploring new hobbies.
Many, however, are not prepared for the boredom and restlessness that sets in after the novelty of no demands wears off. Sooner or later, we will tire of “relaxing” and want to do something to feel content. With this in mind, it’s important to find pastimes that take the place of the structure, rewards and challenges of your former job.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help in identifying productive hobbies and pastimes that you may find engaging through the years. Additionally, finding a community where you might pursue interests and hobbies can be an added help. The Best Senior Citizen Centers Guide will help with this research.
Studies show that people are most fulfilled when they have valued goals they can pursue. A satisfying hobby helps us maintain momentum as we age and maintain a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm going forward.
Here are a few great hobbies to consider.
Crafting
“Crafting” may seem like a broad and fairly vague category, but there is a fundamental core concept to pay attention to here.
When you are involved in a craft-based hobby, you are creating something, and generally in a physical manner. This can take the form of woodworking, embroidery, painting, etc. There are so many options available and a plethora of instructions and guidance available online.
The key value in a crafting is that it allows you to spend time doing something that helps you to gain some distance from your own thoughts. At the same time, you are stepping back from the cycle of consumerism, and stepping into the life-affirming role of a creator.
What’s more, crafting is essentially a “bottomless” pursuit. No matter how good you get, you can always get better, can always learn things, and can always take new approaches or branch out into new areas.
Today, it’s easier than ever before to surrender to entirely passive forms of entertainment. This is certainly the case with regards to pastimes like web surfing, and TV viewing. Ultimately, however, passive pastimes to often equate to “wasted time”, especially if indulged in too much. There’s just something viscerally satisfying about taking on a project that rewards you with a tangible result, something visible you made with your own hands.
Writing
Writing is an excellent use some of your free time after retirement. Many retirees want to sum up their lives or leave a written account of their experiences and all they’ve learned from them. So, they are writing memoirs. Writing is often a self-discovery process and can enrich your life is unexpected ways. Perhaps poetry or fiction is where your interest lies. You may want to take an online class or participate in a writer’s workshop to get you started.
Age is an opportunity to reflect on all that we have learned and the wisdom gained. We all have some good stories to tell. Why not channel your inner diarist, and tell them via the written word? If you enjoy telling stories, channeling and shaping new worlds through fiction may be just what you need to spice up your retirement years.
Whatever form of writing you enjoy, the simple act of writing itself is therapeutic. It is a tool used often in therapy and groups designed for healing and self-development. Find a writing vehicle that works for you, whether that’s dictation software, a fountain pen, or a word processor. Then, settle into a comfortable routine, and start writing.
Gardening
Gardening is an activity that can benefit you body, mind and spirit, while also being productive.
Time spent tilling the soil and planting plants is an opportunity for your worries and concerns to fade away and your blood to begin to flow. Research has shown that gardening and being in nature itself is very good for our sense of well-being. Just as importantly – we benefit from the naturally rewarding experience of nurturing something and hobbies that get us out in nature.
Modern life is stressful and very fast paced. Our entertainment media is absolutely frenetic. Tuning out of this aspect of life and tuning into something very different, like gardening, provides relief to our psyches.
Gardening take us back to a simpler way of interacting with the world that can be both soothing, and uplifting.
Yoga and Pilates
Exercise and physical activity often become more difficult as we age. It’s unlikely that we will be able to run and move at 80 like we did at 20.
Yoga and Pilates, however, are low-impact forms of exercise that nearly everyone can do to some degree. And more than that – both forms of exercise actually help participants become more mobile.
Exercise is extremely important to our health. It rejuvenates the brain, strengthens the muscles, and releases feelgood endorphins. Even if you have doubts about how effectively you can work out – a senior-friendly yoga or Pilates class will likely surprise you.
