Dealing With Some of Life’s Challenges.
Having worked all of my life and then giving up my job for unexpected health reasons has been quite an adjustment. Work has been a big source of pride, structure and mainly independence, leaving it – particularly for reasons outside my control is almost like losing a piece of myself. If you find yourself in a similar situation – you’re not alone and here I am sharing some ways that are helping me to cope and move forward to a new era of my life.
Acknowledge That You’re Grieving a Major Life Change.
I’ve never really adapted well to change, and this could be another reason this has impacted me so much – but by acknowledging that it is a change, and a big one is what I had to do first. The routine, the social interactions and that purpose it gave me. It’s about allowing yourself to go through the motions – sadness, loss, even feeling grief and not judging yourself. It’s not a weakness to feel – we are after all humans.
Finding New Ways to Feel Independent Again!
Independence isn’t just financial or physical – it’s also emotional and mental. Finding new ways to feel that independence again is essential to moving forward:
- Volunteering (even online) – Helping others can give that sense of contribution and pride again. Volunteering at a local hospice or op-shop a few hours a week.
- Creative or productive hobbies – Writing, sewing, photography, crafting, or even sharing knowledge online (like a small blog or YouTube channel) can renew a sense of purpose.
- Learn something new -Considering free courses or communities in something that interests you, even light tech skills, wellness or creative arts.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health.
Going through such a big change can affect your mental health, feeling sad, depressed even – these feelings are very real, and they deserve care.
- Speak to your GP or counselor – Even a phone session with a counselor can help with how you’re feeling.
- Mental Health support lines – like Need to Talk.
- Writing a daily journal can also release those feelings and help process emotions gently.
Do Your Best to Keep Active.
Keeping active as we get older is important, as our bones thin out and there is muscle loss. Even just doing light exercises is beneficial. Stretches, walking, doing exercises on your chair or couch as well!
Remember You’re Not Alone.
Isolation can make everything heavier. If you don’t have someone close to talk to, there are online communities, forums and safe places where people understand.
Set Small Meaningful Goals.
Sometimes a tiny goal – like going for a walk, organizing a small place at home, learning one new thing each week, or planning a personal project – can help bring structure back and remind you that you are creating a new phase in your life that is important!
Still Working – Great!
This is the time to do some goal searching. Moving forward in retirement is positively worthwhile planning for. Financially you would want to manage your finances for your retirement and create a goal planner for when you retire so you can adapt to retirement smoothly and enjoy the plans for your new lifestyle.
Seeking professional help for your finances for retirement is a good move, that way you will know you have everything set up. Even considering updating your Will and other important documents will help ease the retirement process.