If you were to take a survey of what retirement means, you might get answers like, “it means doing nothing”. However, as many residents of independent senior living communities can attest, in order to have a satisfying life, some things need to be done, even if you are retired.
Experts say that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Once you form a habit, it comes naturally to you, like brushing your teeth. Therefore, get out a calendar or planner, and plan out the next three weeks. Check out the habits below and then come up with some of your own:
Incorporate some healthy habits into your life:
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- Exercise daily. Aim for a 30-minute walk every morning. Once you feel comfortable doing this, after 2-3 weeks increase it to a 45-minute walk.
- Take good care of your teeth. Brush and floss twice a day and visit the dentist twice a year.
- Stay hydrated. Drink several glasses of water and decaffeinated tea daily.
- Eat healthy – as many vegetables as you can eat, plus some fruit, protein, healthy fats like avocados and walnuts, and some whole grains. Eliminate sugar and limit alcohol. Keep a food diary to keep yourself honest.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for a good 8-9 hours of sleep each day.
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Socialize
– spend time with those whose company you enjoy. Love and laughter will keep you young.
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Have a positive and grateful attitude.
Many successful people start their day with gratitude and consciously maintain a positive attitude.
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Keep a close eye on your finances.
Even if you have not done this in the past, it’s not too late to pick up this habit. Get in the habit of checking your financial statements and look for deals whenever traveling or purchasing anything.
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Do some housekeeping daily.
Get in the habit of making your bed every day, loading the dishwasher, and taking out the trash. Getting rid of clutter means helps get rid of stress.
Make a to-do list for each day, but be flexible with yourself. You are no longer a slave to your alarm clock, and those deadlines you dreaded during your working years are now firmly in the past, where they belong. Being retired means that you are doing many things differently, including adopting new habits to enhance the quality of your life.