4 MEANINGFUL PURSUITS TO EXPLORE AFTER RETIREMENT
on your bucket list. If you ever wanted to experience the breathtaking size of the Grand Canyon or dreamt of dining at French cafes by the Seine River in Paris, then retirement is the perfect opportunity to go on those adventures. No. 2 Never Stop Learning Be a lifelong learner. If you’ve always wanted to explore your interests through education but couldn’t fit it into your schedule, now you can. There are courses available online and in person. Many classes specialize in educating seniors, while others offer highly discounted rates. Some colleges allow seniors to audit their courses at little to no cost with a tuition waiver. Lifelong learning also helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. So, if you worry about these diseases, continuous learning is one of the best defenses you can have. No. 3 Help and Advocate Many retirees find purpose through volunteering. Many organizations need a hand,
like food banks, soup kitchens, and animal shelters. Giving them some of your time allows you to support your community, further a cause, and even save lives. Volunteer work also connects you with like-minded people, ensuring you make friends with people who share your values. No. 4 Retire a Little Less Some retirees miss the purpose that work gives (as well as the income). Many jobs also keep you on your feet and active. If you count yourself among them, consider picking up a part-time job. Roles like delivery driver, substitute teacher, and dog walker allow you to line your pockets while meeting people. Retirement is not just the end of work — it’s the start of leisure. You can do and experience many things, from seeing the Mona Lisa to volunteering at an animal shelter. It’s time to take advantage of retirement and seize every opportunity.
Retirement is the end goal after decades spent working and saving. Once reached, a common question retirees ask is, “Now what?” There’s a massive gap in your schedule now, and there are countless things you can fill the time with. So, here are four big ideas you can use to take advantage of your newfound freedom. No. 1 See the World The world is a vast and beautiful place, and now that you don’t have obligations tying you down, you can finally get out there and see everything
FROM STRESS TO SERENITY
KEEP YOUR PEACE
As a busy trial attorney, stress is an undeniable aspect of my daily environment. It includes not only my own stress but that of colleagues, clients, and witnesses. Managing this feeling requires awareness and conscious effort; being mindful of stress allows me to tackle it more effectively. April is also Stress Awareness Month, which has prompted me to be aware of my daily aggravation levels. For me, staying active is paramount to keeping stress at bay. I prioritize regular exercise, hitting the weights four times a week and enjoying 45-minute to hourlong walks or runs, particularly in the morning. Ensuring I get sufficient sleep is equally vital. I aim for at least eight hours each night to maintain alertness and productivity throughout my day. Sleep deprivation can trigger a domino effect, hindering exercise and stress management. Balancing work with downtime is also essential. I strive for a healthy work-life balance, but I understand that constant engagement is not always sustainable. Having quality time with family, attending college football games, and indulging in my passion for cooking provide a much-needed break from work-related pressures. I find peace in a chaotic world by playing music and continuously perfecting my skills.
To keep stress at a minimum, organizing my schedule is crucial for staying on top of tasks. I designate specific days for particular activities, like dedicating Wednesdays solely to marketing efforts. Utilizing tools such as calendar blocking and following principles outlined in my favorite productivity book, “Getting Things Done” by David Allen, helps me maintain my focus and efficiency. During Stress Awareness Month, we must stay resilient, calm, and compassionate daily. By doing so, we can work toward building a healthier life. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and implementing effective time management strategies will help us navigate our life’s demands effectively. –Kevin Mottley
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