You've completed the hardest part: getting out of bed every day of your life to go to work, take care of your family, and save the money you need to spend many peaceful years once you retire. But what can you really do to fill all the free time you deserve? Boredom and depression are very common in people who have reached retirement age, because there is a feeling that the time available is too much for the few things there are to do. Find out how to beat the monotony by keeping busy with multiple recreational or volunteer activities.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Keeping Busy with Recreational Activities
Step 1. Write your memoirs
You could organize them in the form of letters to your living family, or keep a daily journal. It brings to mind the many past adventures and experiences to share those moments with loved ones and offer practical life lessons.
- Start by writing down your memories in a journal or in letters addressed to a specific family member, for example your child or grandchild. Try to write down a few thoughts each day to get into the habit of writing down memories and feelings.
- By doing some research online, you will find that there are multiple sources that can help you learn how to write your story. You can also find several ideas on wikiHow, for example by reading this article.
Step 2. Read the books you've always wanted to read
Perhaps over the years you have created a list of books that you considered interesting with the intent of reading them as soon as you had more time available. Join the neighborhood library and start reading the titles on the list. If you do not have a list that you have created yourself, you can look for a ready-made one, for example in reference to the best detective or thriller novels, the most famous fantasy or science fiction sagas or the classics of western fiction. Choose according to your preferences.
- You can also choose a specific genre or topic that interests you and dedicate yourself to reading as many books on that topic as possible. For example, you might like novels set during World War II or woodworking manuals.
- Nowadays, ordering a book online is really simple. All you have to do is type a title or author in the Google search bar, browse the results and order it (for example on the Amazon site). In no time you will receive it directly at home at a low cost.
- Audiobooks are another very good option. You can relax with your eyes closed while listening to the voice of an expert storyteller.
Step 3. Learn a foreign language
Exercising your brain by learning a new language helps keep it awake and active. You can try one of the many apps available for your computer or smartphone, which offer free, fun and intuitive lessons, such as Rosetta Stone or Duolingo. There are many foreign languages available, from Spanish to French to Chinese. Once you download the program, you can start learning at your own pace.
If you're looking for an excuse to get out of the house, sign up for a group class to take in person. You will be able to take advantage of it to improve your conversation skills
Step 4. Make a weekly sport appointment
Keeping active is another great way to stay busy during your retirement years. A sporting activity like tennis, golf, swimming or running, done once a week, can help you stay healthy and motivated. If you're looking for a way to meet other people and socialize, opt for a team sport or activity.
- Take a course taught by an expert aimed at people of advanced age. This way you will have the opportunity to learn and, at the same time, get to know peers with the same interests as you.
- You can also take lessons or take a course with the simple intent of improving your tennis serve or breaststroke style in swimming. Again, you will be able to meet other people who have the same passion as you.
Step 5. Join a club
Look for one that is related to a topic that interests you or one of your hobbies, such as a bridge club, a club for senior women or men, a golf club, or a spiritual group. To find out which clubs and leisure facilities are available in your city, you can search online, check the classifieds in the local newspaper, or ask for advice from people you know.
Step 6. Learn a new subject by attending a course
It could be a passion that you have long wanted to pursue, such as learning how to crochet the most difficult embroideries or carving more complex figures in wood. Find out which courses are available in the area where you live, for example those offered by the Municipality or the University of the third age. There is no need to already know the subject, you can even try to learn a completely new subject. Use your free time to deepen those curiosities that you had to put aside in the past due to so many commitments.
Many schools and universities offer study programs for older people. Generally, it is possible to attend courses for free or for a small fee. You will have the chance to make new friends in a highly stimulating environment
Step 7. Keep busy cooking
If you've never felt comfortable in the kitchen or are looking for a way to broaden your culinary repertoire, buy a new book and try your hand at one recipe after another.
- You can choose a book about a particular style of food or cooking, for example that collects vegetarian, gluten-free recipes or recipes from a specific area of the world, such as Poland or Thailand. Alternatively, you can opt for one of those books that are considered the "bibles" of the kitchen, such as "The Silver Spoon", to learn how to cook meat properly or prepare delicious sauces.
- When you feel comfortable with a particular recipe, invite friends or family - they will certainly be happy to play the role of judges. If they also like to dabble in the kitchen, you can organize a dinner where each guest has to bring a dish.
Step 8. Rebuild your family tree
If no one in your family has done it yet and you don't have one of your ancestors, you can use the time you have to make it yourself. Conduct the necessary research and contact close and distant relatives to create a tree that encompasses all of your family's ties.
On the web you can find several programs that will help you perform the research that is needed to rebuild your family tree. Once you have all the data, you can create a beautiful picture or photo album to give to all family members, so that they can keep it and keep it for years to come
Step 9. Go on a road trip
If you own a car or a camper and like to travel long distances, draw a route around your city or the area where you live. If you want, you can also choose a specific destination on the map not far from home and reach it along a scenic road or close to natural landscapes or interesting attractions.
Taking a road trip will allow you to see previously unknown places and meet new people. Your days will be populated with new experiences. If you have the possibility to use a camper, you will be able to make even longer journeys and reach more distant destinations, having many comforts at your disposal
Step 10. Take a trip abroad
Perhaps you have relatives living in another country that you have long wanted to visit. Or maybe you've always dreamed of visiting the pyramids in Egypt or seeing the Grand Canyon. Plan a trip to see the wonders of the world, alone or with a friend or family member.
On the web you can find various economic offers relating to hotels and flights, especially if you have the opportunity to travel out of season or during the less popular periods. Do some thorough research to find affordable travel packages, which generally include air flights, overnight stays, leisure activities, and guided tours
Step 11. Spend some time with your family
One of the best ways to use your free time is to spend quality time with relatives: children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers etc. If you are lucky enough to have close family members, organize weekly meetings, for example to play with your grandchildren and fill your days with joy. You can plan to go to cultural events together, such as an opera or ballet show, or on a trip or camping trip.
Method 2 of 2: Keeping Busy by Volunteering or Part-Time Work
Step 1. Become a mentor
Find a way to put your knowledge to good use, for example by teaching children or adults. Choose a role that allows you to tap into your individual qualities and abilities and share them with others.
Step 2. Volunteer with a local organization
Choose an organization that you would like to join or that you want to help. Contact managers by phone or email so they know you want to help. Many associations, both non-profit and governmental, are constantly looking for volunteers willing to donate their time and energy to contribute to specific causes.
Step 3. Experience a new career
Even if you don't feel ready to dive into a new industry after spending many years dedicating yourself to work, try to think about a profession you've always wanted to do. This could be an interior designer, a freelance writer, or starting your own business. Focusing on a new, less stressful career will help fill your days while giving you a renewed sense of purpose.
Step 4. Take up a part-time job
There are several possibilities for retired people, for example you could be a private driver, tax consultant or babysitter. Look for a seasonal job that allows you to immerse yourself in a new or interesting environment, such as working outdoors in a park or supporting the sick.
