RULESFORAHAPPYNEWSTART
KEEP developing activities and social links you’ve enjoyed in the years leading up to retirement.
USE a diary to organise your time, rather than going into freefall.
KEEP another diary of things you’ve done. It can be reflective, purely factual, or a visual scrapbook of tickets and memorabilia.
MAKE lists of long-term and immediate plans.
IF YOU want to kick off retirement with a few months of pure relaxation, set a time limit.
INTRODUCE structure to the day by punctuating it with new rituals at specific times: light the fire; go for a run; do ten minutes of yoga; have coffee in a local cafe.
CREATE structure in the week with at least one or two commitments.
BUT be careful not to take on too many. It’s easy to underestimate how much time is involved.
BE PROACTIVE in searching out new ways to meet people. If you haven’t a clue where to begin, the best starting point is an activity that taps into a genuine interest. It’s much easier to talk if you’ve already got something in common.