Providing 20 years or more of service is a sacrifice few understand but with over 2.25 million retired Veterans, our nation is lucky to have so many selfless people among us. To enjoy your retirement after a life of service, you have plenty of options. However, while individual preferences may dictate how you spend your downtime, there are still some important considerations to get the most out of every minute. The key to enjoying retirement is having a game plan. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Enjoy Life After Retirement
Taking the right steps to enjoy your retirement will set up your civilian life as a new chapter more exciting than you can imagine.
While everyone has different needs and desires, these steps can help you enjoy a happy retirement regardless of what you choose during the day-to-day:
Calculate Your Budget
It’s not fun, it’s not necessarily innovative, but it bears repeating—you need to budget your retirement.
This is an essential plan that doesn’t just affect covering your bills but also dictates your lifestyle.
You’re going to need to prepare to cover your everyday expenses while also the unexpected and new costs that come with being retired.
Many of these expenses can be exciting, such as traveling, following your passions, etc.; however, if you don’t have a plan in place, you may find yourself either heading back to work or not enjoying the retired life after all.
The good news is that research shows military households are generally more prepared for retirement than civilians.
But you’re still going to need to be sure that your ducks are in a row so that you can enjoy your retirement in all of its glory.
Take Care of Yourself
Being in the military comes with certain health requirements involving exercise and access to medical care.
Entering civilian life can cause many to put these to the side but it’s important to remain disciplined.
Physical health is important and only increases as we age but so too is your mental health.
Understanding your Veterans benefits, TRICARE, and accessing healthcare for all of your needs is crucial and deserved for all of those who have served our nation.
Exercise often, find healthy ways to deal with stress, and be sure to schedule checkups to maintain both your physical and mental health.
Create a Routine, But be Flexible
Military life is a routine. Thus, carrying those same principles into civilian life can help you thrive.
With that being said, you’re here to enjoy your retirement, not simply make it through each day.
Having discipline is important for any venture in life, but knowing when to let loose is also critical.
Stay Social
Feelings of social isolation are common among Veterans. Considering loneliness is linked to cognitive decline, depression, and negative health effects, it’s important to find a way to connect.
You can do so online but it’s not quite the same as meeting someone in person and spending time with them.
Even if you aren’t a social butterfly, having interactions from time to time is something humans need to grow.
Finding a group of Veterans in your community, such as a local VFW, or someone who has the same hobbies and interests as you, can be a great way to stay socially connected.
Explore Your Passions
We couldn’t break down how to enjoy retirement without mentioning the need to find what you love and chase after it!
Everyone has something inside that they love to do. Enjoying your retirement means that much more when you explore these options.
This is a great way to start a small business or do something you’ve always been good at; however, this isn’t the only thing you should focus on.
There is nothing wrong with doing something you love that you may necessarily never be good at, simply because you enjoy it.
Find a passion project that truly resonates in your soul and enjoy your retirement like never before!
Travel When You Can
The world has a lot of sights to see, sounds to hear, tastes to experience, and…you get the idea.
Retired military Veterans are often well-traveled; however, that doesn’t mean they’re always fulfilled through those travels.
Having to go to a remote base in the middle of nowhere isn’t quite the same as taking in the sights of a state park, eating your way through Italy, or trying the spiciest dish Vietnam has to offer.
The point is, wherever you go, however you can, traveling to places you love or have always wanted to explore will help you enjoy your retirement that much more.
Enjoy Your Retirement By Looking Forward
Transitioning into civilian life can be a bit intimidating for some but if you’re going to truly enjoy your retirement, focus on the positives of what lies ahead.
Retired military Vets are no stranger to conquering immense challenges. While it’s a readjustment, life outside of service can be an exciting prospect.
Taking things one day at a time, and following our helpful hints, can make the transition easier. Enjoy your retirement, you’ve earned it!
Suggested reads:
- Army Lawyer Jack Rozema Is an Elite CrossFit Athlete
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- 8 Great Military Retirement Benefits to Get Your Post-Military Life Started Right