5 Ways to Manage Time and Make the Most Out of Your Day in Retirement

Nov 10, 2020 · 3

Retirement can be a big step. It impacts you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It changes your life structure and takes away the schedule that most humans need to stay happy and productive. One of the biggest obstacles in retirement is time management, as many individuals don't know how to spend their time. It may sound simple, but it's a roadblock that retirees face every day.

Time management is challenging for everyone, but it can be even more complicated when a free schedule is suddenly thrust upon you after years and years of hard work. With a little guidance in time management and productivity, anyone can successfully navigate retirement.

Here are five ways retirees can manage their time and make the most out of their day.

Use These Tips to Manage Your Time in Retirement!

Make A Schedule and Stick To It
It might sound obvious, but it should not be overlooked. The best way to manage your time during retirement is to make a schedule and stick to it. Write your desired schedule down so as not to forget it. If it's helpful, pin it to the wall or a place where you will see it every day. This makes you more likely to keep up with your schedule. Try to wake up and fall asleep at the same time, eat at the same time, exercise at the same time, and always be aware of the time. Of course, you don't have to stick to a rigid schedule. Allow yourself the flexibility to go off of the plan sometimes. This will stop you from getting burnt out by your routine.
Make a List Everyday
One of the best ways to combat memory loss in Alzheimer's disease is to make lists. You can write down your SMART goals and aspirations, jot down your thoughts and ideas, document your precious memories, or whatever else you can imagine. Similarly, you can stay aware of your productivity and task completion by writing things down. The best way to meet your goals for the day and stay productive is to make a to-do list every morning when you wake up or every night before you fall asleep.
Limit TV and Internet Time
No matter your age, too much of a good thing can have negative results. Internet and television time have many advantages for a retiree, both mentally and emotionally, but it's also a huge time waster. Nothing passes the time like television, which is a beautiful tool when used correctly, but it can easily be abused. Don't waste your golden years in front of the television or computer, and limit your entertainment time in front of the screen.

Check out our recent blog to learn more about avoiding boredom in retirement!
Explore Different Pastimes
You may have so much extra time now (the free time you probably would've killed for when you weren't retired), so now is the time to live life to the fullest. Retirement is an opportunity to learn about yourself and explore different hobbies and pastimes. Research and explore everything you didn't have time for when you were younger. You're never too old to learn a new hobby or find a new passion. You can go to a drawing class, take up baking, learn a new language, fix up an old vehicle, grow a garden, learn woodworking, pick up a new instrument - the options are endless! Time is never wasted if you're doing what you love. Manage your time by finding your newest passion.

Looking for other ways to stay productive and spend time? Consider this list of 22 hobby ideas!
Allow Yourself to Be Retired
Sometimes retirees are too worried about filling their time to appreciate the spoils of being retired. You don't have to be productive every single second of every day. Every so often, it's best to allow yourself a break from your schedule and enjoy retirement. Sleep in for once, go on a long walk, travel, spend time with your loved ones, or do whatever else you please. You have the freedom to do whatever your heart desires, so take advantage of it. You've earned it!

Retirement can be a wonderful time of self-exploration and sophisticated, worldly understanding. With proper time management techniques, retirees don't have to worry about wasting their precious time. Your golden years can be both relaxing and productive. To successfully navigate retirement, you must make a schedule, make a list, limit time on the internet or in front of the television, explore different past times, and, most importantly, allow yourself to enjoy retirement.