Retirement brings more freedom to your life. You aren’t limited to a certain number of vacation days or hampered by a daily work schedule. Yet some organization and scheduling can help you make the most of your retirement years and find more time to enjoy the things you love doing. Here are some steps that might help you better manage your time in 2015.
1. Set goals for the coming year
Instead of setting New Year’s resolutions, considering creating a list of goals for the coming year. Do you want to travel? Spend more time with family and friends? Be more active? Start a new hobby? Make a list and start planning how you will reach your goals.
2. Create a calendar
Updating a calendar is a great way to stay on top of birthdays, anniversaries, and general appointments. You can also use your calendar to set up reminders for things like annual check-ups and routine home maintenance.
3. Set up a budget
Reaching your goals is easier when you know how much you can afford to spend. Creating a household budget is a great way to both stretch your nest egg and save up for the things you would really like to do or buy in the coming year.
4. Schedule travel time
You may have the freedom to travel whenever you like, but it doesn’t happen without some planning. Look at your calendar and begin figuring out some times that would be ideal for traveling. Once you know when you can get away, it may be easier to choose your destinations.
5. Create an exercise schedule
Exercising regularly will give you more energy and help you stay fit for your favorite activities, but it’s all too easy to skip a few days (or weeks) at the gym. For best results, create an exercise schedule with a mix of activities, such as walking, jogging, weight lifting, yoga, or other fitness classes.
6. Plan a regular date night
A regular date night is a great way to add structure to your week, while also ensuring quality time with your significant other. If you’re single, plan a regular night out with friends instead. Think about planning a weekly movie night, game night, or dinner out on the town.
7. Schedule time for yourself
Recharging with some alone time can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, plan some time to simply rest and relax. Schedule in time to read, get a massage, or simply enjoy your favorite solo hobby.
8. Coordinate with family and friends
When you’re retired, you may have more flexibility in your schedule than those around you. Coordinate with your family and friends in advance to find times when you will all be free to get together. Pinning down time with others can help you know when you can plan time to do things on your own.
9. Prioritize your home projects
Whether it’s required maintenance or a cosmetic upgrade, there always seem to be home projects on the horizon. Make a list of what projects you would like to tackle in the coming year and which can wait for a later date.
10. Hire outside help
You may no longer have a full-time job, but you still only have so many hours in the day. If you can afford it, consider hiring outside help for some of your more mundane tasks like house cleaning, yard maintenance, and home repairs.
These are just some ideas to get you started. Think about how you spent your time in 2014 and what changes you would like to have in the coming year. There are many ways you can organize your life and more easily reach your future goals.
