Has retirement left you with a lot of time on your hands? Where once your job filled 40 or more hours a week, perhaps now you find yourself bored and looking for something to do.

The first thing to do is to ask yourself and create a list of ‘What I like to do.’ That may seem too simple, but it will get the creative juices flowing. Yours might include “socialize, create, be physically active, dance, lead a committee, help with the disadvantaged, care for kids, bake, drive,” or anything else that fits you and will help you stay active as well as mentally and physically healthy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Biking, Walking, Hiking

Maybe all three make your list! If these sound better as a casual hobby, you will still benefit by visiting with an expert. A trip to the local bike shop or running store will pair you with equipment that matches your current ability. That will help set you up for success – which almost guarantees you will stick with it.

Volunteering

With a rough count, there are over 100 non-profits, churches, and service clubs in the Cedar Valley that could use your time and talents. Invest any amount of time you can and feel good about making a difference!

Traveling

Take that trip you have always dreamt about or revisit some of your favorite places or people. Ever thought of a stay-cation? There are so many places to explore right here in the Cedar Valley. Not comfortable driving? Bus tours, flights, and rail service take the responsibility off your shoulders.

Advanced Learning

The journey of lifelong learning should continue in retirement! One positive that came out of the recent pandemic is that it brought about an explosion of online museum tours and lectures, plus educational programs and courses designed for seniors.

Participating in a Book Club

Make your reading even more fun and rewarding by joining a book club. You can deepen your understanding of both books and people. Joining a book club in retirement can also prompt you to read books you otherwise wouldn’t read and can open doors to new perspectives!

Gardening

Digging, weeding, and harvesting is good for the body, the brain and the soul. It also is productive. Even if you never eat your own produce, there are many in our community who could benefit from your generosity. Add this popular pastime to your list and you could be twice blessed.

Writing

You don’t need to produce the great American novel. Write to satisfy yourself and you will enjoy the outcome as well as the process. Consider a gratitude journal or getting your life stories down on paper (or tape) so that your family and future generations can treasure them. Check out storyworth.com and captureyourstory.org for two ways to make it easy.

Singing

You may not have sung in a group since high school (if at all) so this may be scary at the start. Community choir groups welcome people of all abilities and when you push through your fear, there is an important part for you no matter how rusty your pipes may be. A Karaoke garden party with friends and family is fun and easier than ever with the all-in-one machines you can buy for virtually “a song”.

While this is quite a list already, I haven’t yet mentioned dancing, genealogy, woodworking, painting, swimming, drawing, photography, playing an instrument, learning to fly, knitting, fishing, cooking, billiards and so much more. What’s the second thing to do? Put your list in existence on your calendar and go have some fun!

By Sheila Brustkern, Sales & Marketing Manager, Friendship Village