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The first, perhaps most obvious tip, for an enjoyable retirement is to make sure you have your finances in order. To make it easier to adjust, try and reduce your spending gradually in the run-up to your final day of work.

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Make sure you work out ahead of time exactly how much you will have to live on. Look at any pensions you might have, as well as any benefits you might be able to claim.

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If possible in your line of work, it can be a good idea to wind down gently. Gradually reducing your working hours can help you get used to having more free time, and it will come as less of a shock when you stop completely.

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Retirement tends to be smoother when you do it in stages. Talk to your employer about reducing your hours ahead of time, although bear in mind this might not always be possible.

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Bear in mind that it is normal to experience ups and downs during retirement. There may be times that you feel a bit lost or lonely, and this is completely normal.

▲Many people find that it is helpful to keep the same routine as they had when they were working. It can feel more normal to get up, eat, and go to bed around the same time every day.

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Whether you keep the same routine or adjust it slightly, make sure you work in some regular activities, such as voluntary work, exercise, and hobbies. This way you will keep things interesting and have more of a purpose.

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According to the research, learning something new later in life is a great way to keep yourself independent and to slow down cognitive decline.

▲It is a great idea, therefore, to use some of your newfound free time to learn something new, such as a musical instrument or a language.

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It is important to keep physically active throughout our working lives, and this does not change when we retire. Each one of us should be aiming for 150 minutes of moderately intense physical exercise each week.

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If you think there may be a gap in your social life once you leave your job, remember that you can always fill that gap by joining clubs and groups. Walking groups, for example, are great both socially and physically.

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Be sure to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, even if you never did it previously. If you need some external motivation to get moving, why not sign up for a charity event?

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Lots of people find that their job is an important element of their social life, and when they stop working they can feel a bit at a loose end.

▲Some countries offer a health check program free of charge for people over a certain age, where they check for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and certain types of dementia.

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If you enjoy planning events, why not plan a garden or dinner party where everyone can get together and have a proper catchup?

▲You may not see your friends from work every day anymore, but that is no reason not to keep in contact with them. If you really got on well, why not arrange to meet up with them on a regular basis?

▲After working hard and putting yourself second for decades, retirement is your opportunity to really treat yourself. You are due some proper ‘me time!’

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Another good way to find purpose and structure in your day is to take up volunteering. What better way to give back to your community than working for an important cause?

▲Remember that fresh air and exercise is an effective way to instantly boost your mood, and that it is very important when it comes to maintaining your well-being.

▲If a longer trip is simply not practical for whatever reason, minibreaks can be a great alternative. Even just a day out to somewhere new is a great way to break with routine.

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Finally, you might consider whether it is time to get a new pet. You have much more free time on your hands now and might be able to take on a rescue dog or cat. Indeed, studies have shown that spending time with our pets has a very positive effect on our health and well-being.

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If you are interested in the idea of rehoming a pet, talk to your local animal rescue center. If you don’t want to commit full time, you could also volunteer to walk someone else’s dog every now and then.

Sources: (British Heart Foundation) (Forbes)

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With all your new free time, there is no excuse not to finally get that mid-life health check you’ve been meaning to get. This is important when it comes to preventing age-related illnesses from developing.

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If you are prone to stress, anxiety, and depression, it might be a good time to take up mindfulness. In fact, this meditative practice can have benefits for all of us.

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There are no set rules as to how long someone should practice mindfulness meditation in order to feel the benefit. However, studies show that even just 10 to 20 minutes per day can be beneficial.

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There are plenty of organizations that would be more than happy to accept your help. Perhaps you’d like to help at an animal rescue center or a food bank, for instance.

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Consider incorporating a walk into your daily routine. This has the added benefit of counting towards your weekly target of 150 minutes of moderate exercise.

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Don't forget that, with all this new free time, you can finally make that trip happen that you’ve always talked about!

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After decades of getting up and going to work most days of the week, the shift to retirement can be tricky. Some people even experience a sense of being lost, and struggle to find purpose. It is worth remembering, however, that retirement can be a great opportunity to finally start doing all those things you wanted to do but never had time for. With this in mind, are you ready to start planning? Check out this gallery for some top tips for a happy retirement!