How to Avoid Retirement Stress

Let's face it, we all heard about and experienced stress in the workplace. So when it is time to retire, all that stress is going to go away - right?

Uh...no, it doesn't work that way. Sorry.

There are many kinds of stresses, and we all have different ways to cope or handle the stress. Some of us can take on more stress than others. And there are many different types of stressors. Anywhere from family, to finance or even health issues. But one of the biggies is retirement stress.

And why? Well, think about it this way... you have been planning for a restful and enjoyable retirement for years, if not decades. And finally when that day comes, it can hit you cold. You are going to retire!

This may be great for some folks, but for many of you, retirement can actually mean a change in your lifestyle. And some adjustment may be necessary to assimilate this change within you. For instance, your daily routine of getting up in the morning, grabbing a quick breakfast and coffee and commuting to work can change into, sleeping in later. Leisurely walking into the kitchen and whipping up a veggie omelet to die for.

On the face of it, retirement does sound like a fantastic vacation dream. However, it also does call for a lifestyle change. And that includes your social support system. You may not see your ex co-workers that much anymore because you know, they have to work for a living. You may feel guilt. You may feel alone. You may feel worthless.

There are tons of feelings swirling about you when you retire, and THAT can contribute to your retirement stress!

Then there are other considerations to ponder about, like what to do with your time? Take me for instance, I don't watch TV because it forces me to find other, creative ways for my leisure time. I heard something about life once, that your life is just a series of distractions. And the quality of your life depends on the quality of your distractions.

And I think that is so true. I don't watch TV because I don't want to live vicariously someone else's life. I want to create MY life! I hope this makes some sense to you. So you should think about what exactly you want.

For some of you, you may be thinking about selling the home you lived in for decades. The home that has so many good memories so that you can live in another state or country that has a more agreeable climate or to be closer to your children/grandchildren.

Another option would be to buy or rent an RV and take a tour around the country. The more adventurous ones may want to get one of those touring motorcycles and really experience travel. Others might want to go on a cruise or a special planned vacation with similar folks.

But the point remains that this is still a big change. We tend to want to be homogeneous, not rock the boat and resist change. Some of us can handle change with no problem. Others may agonize with indecision and build up stress.

Another big issue with retirement is of course, financial worries. Do you have enough money for retirement? For the children when you pass away? Or for the grand kids college funds? What happens to my retirement if there is a recession?

All of those fears are well-founded and must be considered. I suggest that you go to your library and learn all you can about investment and finance so you can avoid the downturns of the economy when it does happen.

How about a nursing home? This is the final stop for many later on in life. Because getting a reserving space in a good retirement home means a better quality of life when you have limited ability to care for yourself. Worrying about a nursing home can sure add a great deal to your stress levels.

Now, I probably depressed a lot of you by pointing out some of the likely source of retirement stress but you know what? When you retire, you have more time. And more time means more time to think about what you really want to do and planning to do them before it is too late.

Now, when I think of too much time, it appears to me that I may dwell on the national news or local news too much. I'm sure you find yourself watching news on TV, reading the newspapers and listening to the radio or browsing the Internet for the latest news. And guess what? Most news is depressing and urgent. And most news is dangerous and anxiety provoking. And MOST people worry about things they read, hear and see from the news media which really, really adds to your stress.

You see, there are so many things that you can do in your life. And worrying about the things that you cannot control or have no responsibility for... is unnecessary. If you allow all that bad news to weigh on you, it will definitely add to your retirement stress!

And besides, here is my definition of the news media... all news is designed make you keep coming back for more. Because THAT is how the media makes their money. From advertising and so on. They need you to glue your eyes to the TV to watch the latest bad and urgent news that really has no bearing on the quality of your life.

Think about it, if all the news was good, would you watch the news or read the newspapers? Of course you wouldn't! That is another reason why I don't watch the TV or read the newspapers. The news media filters information to maximize the shock value and make it YOUR business to worry about something that is not really your business.

So how to deal with all these different ways of retirement stress? Well, I suggest that you take the steps and think about what exactly is the sources of your stress. Then try to limit the exposure of that source, like I suggested above, if it is the news that is causing a lot of anxiety for you, stop watching the TV news and newspapers.

Instead, read some good fiction novels or even read books on your favorite hobbies or historical events. Become an expert at it! Turn your extra leisure time into a positive experience rather than into a negative one.

You could seek a financial planner to help you sort out personal finance or help you make financial decisions.

But truth be told, this is YOUR retirement. The only one you have. You worked hard for it all your life and now it is your time to enjoy it. And learn to embrace the changes that comes along with it. It is perfectly normal to feel some stress. But do something about it instead of trying to ignore or avoid the bull in the China shop.

Other ways to cope with retirement stress is to take classes with other seniors to learn yoga, exercising, or even dancing. Some of you might find it worthwhile to learn techniques how to do deep breathing or relax your muscles for stress relief.

Stress is here to stay. No matter where you are in life or what you are doing in life. But you do have a choice. And you CAN make the right choices for you to enjoy your retirement to the fullest.

Kate McSwain writes interesting and informative articles on anxiety disorders, panic attacks, stress, phobias and headaches. You can find a natural way to stop anxiety attacks, stress and panic attacks fast by visiting her website.