Value of a daily routine for retirement?

DWSmith · Jan 21, 2023

For you retired blokes, did you sit down and work out a daily routine to follow for your retirement? How valuable do you think it was?

I have a roughly established routine where I do the same things at about the same time every day and then I have times for self-assigned tasks that change daily.

I'm getting significantly more things done for myself now without my old job getting in the way. I only watch TV from about 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm some evenings and I surf the internet less than before. My sleep times are stable. I also feel better because I'm staying on my feet a lot more. Sitting for my job was taking a toll.

I need to work a few more items into my daily schedule; morning exercise/stretching and noon time reading with a pipe break.

I'm concerned about avoiding the habit of sitting in front of the TV or surfing the internet too much. I don't want to fall into those traps.

I'm only about 1 1/2 weeks into this and I think I'm heading in the right direction but I'm amazed at the number of daily interruptions even though they are important ones. I suppose life gets in the way.

Hunter1 · Jan 21, 2023

I retired at 62 in 2011, I went nuts for one year with all the free time, I went surf fishing, spent money like a drunkin sailor. Then I woke up. I went to work as a substitute teacher, then a full time Paraprofessional at my local high school . I work with kids that have downs and autisim. I felt everything went back to normal, My spending but also organizing my life and daily routine. Going back to work doing something I like was very helpfull for my mind also. I still have a place at the beach, now I just hit it on weekends and the two months for summer break. The extra money I earn also helps with my retirement. Good luck with your retirement

DWSmith · Jan 21, 2023

Thanks Hunter1!

I've always had too much to do around this place so I don't think I'll get into the type of first year routine you did (Sounds like a LOT of fun...for about a month.) but that's the type of thing I want to avoid. Although I do have a well stocked pond (bass, channel catfish, and panfish) about 60 yards from my back door. I also have a jon boat (I have trouble walking but I love rowing that little boat and the mobility it gives me.) and fishing gear. I'm allowing Sunday afternoons for fun times which will include time for fishing weather permitting. But I am keeping my schedule flexible.

I certainly don't want to end up fishing and drinking beer all day, every day. I've heard of too many guys doing that in retirement and ending up miserable.

Hunter1 · Jan 21, 2023

Good plan, We moved to a condo before I retired, nothing to work on. But the thing is to keep busy. I'm getting ready for a total knee replacement in Feb. I'll be out of action for amfew months. But I'll be able to still relax and smoke my pipes.

DWSmith · Jan 21, 2023

Good luck with your knee!

In about 5 weeks I'm having a metal cage put in my back so that maybe I can walk better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If it fails I could end up in a wheel chair. It could be worse.