Nothing “To Do” in Retirement for 10 Days
I have ten whole days coming up to myself. No commitments. Nothing “to do.”
Retirement involves doing less, but what about big chunks of time you never had working 80-hour weeks? What if you had ten days to explore retirement?
I’ve got a knack for feeling lonely when I have some off time. Common humanity (as a part of self-compassion) tells me I’m not the only one. After all, the Surgeon General called it an epidemic.
What are 19 things to do daily to help with loneliness in retirement?
Nothing “To Do” in Retirement for 10 Days
When faced with nothing to do for 10 days, you either freak out or are thrilled.
Thought experiment: Pretend that the next 10 days of demands, expectations, and bodily functions were magically erased, and you can do whatever you want by yourself for the next 10 days. This will become a reality in retirement when you have nothing to do daily. You decide what you want to do. Every day, you can decide that you have nothing else on your calendar and freak out or be thrilled.
With a smidgen of loneliness, a bit of letting go, and always seeking purpose, here is my list of items to do in retirement.
19 Things To Do in Retirement
- meditation or mindfulness: Find time every day
- intentions: Set a positive tone for the day
- physical activity three times a day: Walk, gym, at-home
- create, pursue, hobby: Dedicate time to painting, drawing, writing, or any artistic expression that interests you
- growth mindset: Learn something new every day.
- connect with nature: Spend time outdoors
- volunteer or help others: Find local community
- practice self-care: Treat yourself to activities that promote relaxation and well-being
- reach out to friends or family: Make it a point to call or message someone each day
- explore your local community: Visit a new trail, café, museum, or local attraction
- end your day with gratitude journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for
- start your day with exercise: Physical activity boosts mood and energy levels
- set a daily intention and a goal: Each day set a small, achievable goal for yourself
- dedicate time to explore or revisit hobbies. Whether painting, gardening, cooking, piano, or any other interest. What did you want to do as a kid?
- journaling: Invest some time each day in writing down your thoughts or gratitude journaling. Reflecting on positive experiences or things you’re grateful for can shift your focus away from loneliness and towards more positive aspects of life.
- creative engagement: Engage in creative activities like writing, drawing, or music. Dance and sing every day, and there is no chance you will be lonely
- mindfulness and breathwork: Truth
- meditation: Freedom comes when you understand that the amygdala is in charge
- plan for social interaction: Schedule at least one social activity each day
Nothing “To Do” in Retirement for 10 Days
The goal is to incorporate these activities into my daily routine consistently. Please keep it simple.
Either journal or use a checklist.
I have tried both. For a journal, I have used a written journal and Word (where I copy and paste the list every day below and write a few words if I want to) to stay on task for the next 10 days. The easiest way is via a checklist. You’ve got 10 days on top and the list of tasks on the left side, and you check the box.
Success is activity rather than outcome. A growth mindset combats loneliness and reinforces a sense of purpose.
I have ten whole days to myself. I have no commitments, and I have nothing “to do.”
What a great opportunity to be active without expectation.