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Stress Prevention Boosts Retirement Enjoyment

When it comes to enjoying your retirement, you have to learn how to manage your time so that you stop stressing so much about things that still have to be done. The lawn needs to be mowed, you have to grocery shop, and there is a ton of thank-you's to write …. By prioritizing your time to get things done, you can let go of the stress and enjoy the time you have. Of course, that is easier said than done right?

There are always going to be more and more things vying for your time, evening retirement. As a matter of fact, the stress could get worse in retirement because technically you should have the time to get things done. These days, you will find websites, books, television shows and even counselors that can help you with time management. If there is one thing you should remember, time is always going to be on your side, particularly if you are retired. All you have to do is employ a few organizational techniques to get a handle on your stress.

Create organization from chaos

If your desk is a hodge-podge of thank-you notes, bills that need to be paid and newspapers, you need to organize! Buy some organizational trays and prioritize your bills as well as your "to-do" list. Place things you intend to read in file folders and label them properly. Buy a filing cabinet to store the folders. Put up a bulletin board for reminder notes. Fill in a day planner with your important numbers and dates so that you can get rid of those little sticky notes all over your desk.

Post a calendar to make note of bill-paying days as well as your errand days. Do you take any hobby or exercise classes? Make note of those dates on your calendar as well. Birthdays and special events should also be noted.

Set priorities

If you are feeling overwhelmed with all the things you need to do, create a list of those things and prioritize them in order of importance. Note how much time the activity may take. Allow yourself time to get them done and still have time to yourself. Once you write things down, you will see that some of the items on the list only seemed urgent but could easily wait for another day. Cross each item off the list as they are completed as it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Focus yourself

If you are working on a project and you want to get it finished, ignore distractions. Set your answering machine on. Do not check message or emails. Let your friends and family know that you need some uninterrupted time. When you are engrossed in a project and distractions occur, this can cause stress on your part. If necessary, designate a particular time frame for answering emails or returning phone calls.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Know your limitations in terms of both abilities and time. Sometimes, it is worth a few extra dollars to have curbside service for dry cleaning or paying someone to mow your lawn. Learn how to delegate tasks around the house or with any project you are involved in whether it is at church or at work.

Get your multi-tasking mojo going

You can do several things at once! Finish that knitting project or write thank-you notes while your favorite television show is on. Read a book on the stationary bike. However, know when not to multi-task too. There is no need to juggle getting breakfast on the table while making a phone call to a friend.

The bottom line is that your retirement will not be as enjoyable if you are constantly stressing over the little things. Who cares if you didn't vacuum this week? Soaking up some sunshine in your hammock was worth it!