It can be. Those first days of waking up without heeding that workday alarm clock can be exhilarating! But there are realities inherent in retirement that can infiltrate your thoughts of new-found freedom – from financial worries to well-meaning intentions or interference from adult children, which may intensify as you age. By focusing on things you can control versus what you cannot, you can infuse your life with a calmness and positivity that can quiet many nagging self-doubts. Faith United Methodist Church invites you to explore the following tips.

Control your health

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that sleep, stress, and mood have a significant impact on seniors’ sense of control over their own lives. In fact, getting at least seven hours of sleep has so many health benefits – from helping to thwart excess weight gain to reducing your chances of heart disease – that it should be at the top of your health priority list.

Ironically, feeling stressed inhibits healthy sleep, and the negative impacts of not getting enough sleep can create additional stress. So what are some concrete actions within your control that can stop this vicious cycle?

Start with spending time outdoors. Even taking a break to sit on your patio can be good for your overall mental well-being, and it helps your body set natural rhythm patterns to promote sleep. Use ideal or even tolerable weather to take advantage of nature’s exercise gym and proven healing abilities. If you have a dog, you already need to let your dog outside and perhaps take brief walks. If possible, increase these opportunities – odds are your dog will be grateful for the extra quality time, and walking is kind to your joints.

If you don’t have a pet, consider it; chances are your shelter has a few deserving senior dogs or cats that would flourish under your care. And in addition to being a fun exercise partner, a pet is a loyal companion and helps keep a routine. You might also qualify for a service dog for emotional support or other issues.

Control your home environment

Decluttering and organizing pieces of your life has been shown to provide several mental health benefits. Feeling in control of your space can be empowering and uplifting. It provides a sense of preparedness that can reduce stress and anxiety.

Of course, the motivation to clean or organize your living space may be hard to come by, especially if you experience bouts of loneliness or have too many unfilled – and unfulfilled – hours in your day. So, give music a try; according to a survey cited by ApartmentTherapy.com, this approach not only makes those household chores more enjoyable, but “94 percent of these designated musical cleaners report positive feelings associated with listening to music while cleaning.” And, if you add a few dance steps, you can derive additional physical fitness benefits!

If you’re still staring down too many empty hours, start that new hobby you’ve been putting off. A quick online search can likely turn up several inexpensive or even free classes in your community that are open to the public, for everything from French cooking and dance, to organic gardening and wine tasting. This also increases your social interactions. Places of worship also offer terrific social channels. Here at Faith Church, for example, our ministries extend to food pantries, shelters, and daycare centers.

Loving your life, later in life

Life changes don’t have to be chaotic or lonely. Preparing in advance with some easy organizational efforts, and establishing healthy routines to put you at your physical and emotional best, can create an atmosphere that energizes you and has you feeling optimistic about your future. Everyone deserves to feel that way as they get older.

Photo by Marisa Howenstine on Unsplash

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Family 1

Boy, age 8: science experiment kits, kinetic sand, slime, gloves, winter hat, boys large jacket, nerf gun, crossword puzzles

Girl, age 6: dolls, doll feeding set, doctor kit, Size medium jacket, gloves, winter hat, coloring book, crayons, markers, surprise toys

Family 2

Girl, age 18: nail polish strips, nail accessories, bath bombs, body wash set, brown or black purse, size large women’s robe, hot cocoa and mug, journal, body spray

Boy, age 17: basketball, wallet, handheld games, art supplies, art paper, mens gloves and hat, electric razor, body spray (set or just spray), puzzle books

Family 3

Boy, age 12: Legos, Uno game, Yahztee, monopoly deal, water bottle, stylus for tablet, gummy candies, football, paint set, paper

Girl, age 14: fleece blanket, journal, slippers size 7/8 womens, women’s xl robe, weekly planner, gel pens, necklace (longer length), nail polish, nail polish remover

Girl, age 17: Elf brand (or similar) eye shadow (neutrals, pinks, or purples), bath bombs, body wash, popcorn maker, slipper socks, 500+ piece puzzles, lotion, oil diffuser, journal

Family 4

Boy, age 2: Mega blocks, musical toys, paw patrol toys, toddler mittens and hat, sippy cups, plate and bowl set for kids

Girl, age 4: princess crown, Elsa toys, dolls, doll clothes, surprize toys (LOLs), coloring book/paper, markers or colored pencils, mittens (girls size), scarf, hat, brafelet making kit

Boy, age 7: slime making kit, board games, aqua dragons kit, legos, puzzles, sports stuff, nerf guns, cars, Ryan’s world toys, 5 surprise

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