10 ideas to enjoy your retirement in 2020

Whether you have planned it or not, retirement can be a great time to try new experiences rather than slow down. The number of activities that are now widely available to the young at heart has also exploded with many people looking forward to having the time to try out new things.
Here’s a few small changes that you could try in your retirement that could transform your life.
1. Create a bucket list
As the name suggests, creating a bucket list can evoke strong emotions for some people – just because it is a reminder of ones own mortality. However, making a bucket list is really about living life to the full and having those experiences that you have always wanted to do.
Keep a pen and paper handy when you are watching TV or out and about with friends so you can add to your list. But rather than create too many ideas, think about whittling your list down to just 10 things. Involve your friends and family and see who else could be involved. Planning to do an experience with another person might just be the catalyst for you to actually complete it.
If you are stuck for some ideas here’s a few bucket list categories to get you thinking:-
- Adventure
- Charity
- Creativity
- Education
- Entertainment & Events
- Family & Children
- Food & Drink
- Just for Fun
- Local Experiences
- Personal Growth
- Nature & Wildlife
- Sports & Activities
- Travel
2. Say Yes
Saying yes to new experiences can help you get a new perspective on many things. Just by saying yes will inevitably take you out of your comfort zone, but it could give you the opportunity to meet new people and discover new places.
Whether it is saying yes to trying a new food, visiting a new place, trying new clothes or an activity, you could be in for an eventful new year.
3. Keep a Diary
Even though it sounds cheesy, keeping a diary or journal has numerous evidence-backed benefits. Just one small sentence every day can help you enjoy a new outlook on life.
Writing about your thoughts and feelings can help you de-clutter your mind and is also great at coping with daily stress and anxiety. Engaging the creative side of your brain also helps improve memory and problem-solving skills. Why not document your new experiences – keeping track on those activities you do with friends and family.
Don’t forget to read back your diary every week – you might see a few little changes that will give you the encouragement to do more new things in your retirement.
4. Say no to one thing in your diet
The new year is typically the time of year when most of us take a look at our overindulgence and start to think about the dreaded diet. However, rather than going full tilt into low-carbs and diet plans perhaps keep it simple and just eliminate one thing from your diet.
It might be saying good-bye to that extra sugar in your coffee or that bourbon biscuit with your afternoon tea. Taking away just one small food item from your diet is often less daunting and can help you think about saying no to the bigger things.
5. Throw away three things you don’t need
It is sometimes difficult to let go of things, but holding on to too much can also be unhealthy. Having an occasional declutter can do wonders for your mindset let alone your home. It also gives you an opportunity to replace them with something from your new lease of life.
It might be a pile of magazines, a book or an item of clothing that you no longer use. Think about donating them to charity or take them along to your local recycling centre.
6. Book an experience you would never normally do
They say it is good to scare yourself every now again. (Well maybe not too much). Retirement is the perfect time to try something that you wouldn’t normally do, maybe even outside of your comfort zone.
It doesn’t need to be scary, it could simply be trying a new food dish or going to watch a film at the cinema.
7. Create a regular challenge
Creating a regular challenge can be a great way of breaking down a much larger goal. ‘Couch to 5K‘ for instance is a great example where you start with a few short walks one or twice a week and can end up running 5km in just 9 weeks.
Like the Couch to 5K, set yourself some small goals every week, something that is easily achievable. For example, try saying hello to at least one new person within Red Deer Village every week. On the third week try stopping for a short chat and get to know them better.
8. Buy an item of clothing you wouldn’t normally wear
If you have taken step 5 on board then here’s your opportunity to spoil yourself and replace an item of clothing you have thrown out. Retirement is the perfect time to throw some of your personal anxieties out of the window and try that look you have always wanted to try.
If you don’t feel entirely comfortable start with a small change – say a scarf or a different colour pair of shoes. You will notice that making even a small change can have a big effect on your mindset, maybe even give you a little more confidence to try more.
9. Start a new club or activity
Retirement is the perfect time to try your hand at something new, perhaps even find a hidden talent or new passion. Joining a club or doing some charity work can also give you a regular routine and the opportunity to meet new people.
There is lots going on in the local area and organisations like the University of the 3rd Age have lots of online resources about activities and classes taking place around Glasgow.
10. Book a holiday
Experiencing somewhere new should be on everyone’s list, so why not book a holiday for 3 month’s time. Having something to look forward to and plan for is a great way to focus your mind. It doesn’t have to be lavish, a day trip to the seaside or to visit one of the nearby National trust houses.