Here's what you can count on when you announce your retirement. In no particular order, first, there will be many telling you that you'll love it, and you deserve it. Second, there will be enthusiastic parties of congratulations planned in your name. Third, there will be smiles accompanied by proclamations of how great it is.

But how do you feel? Significant changes in our lives often bring about fear, anxiety, and many questions. How do I deal with all this? What am I going to do now? Is this all a mistake? Did I save up enough money?

Honestly, there are so many factors and so many decisions. I see retirement with many different parts that make a whole. I can help out on the financial planning side of things by making sure there are no missteps along the way. But it's the big mental game that can make or break you when you retire.

I want to offer you the five best ways to keep your mental stability when transitioning to retirement. So take a deep breath and consider the following:

#1. ACCEPT IT'S A BIG DEAL - You will have to admit that this is a big deal. You have spent the last 30 - 40 years working to provide for your family and loved ones. Your finances have paid for your investments, savings and practically everything else in life that you needed or wanted. And suddenly, your steady stream of income is gone. It can be quite a lot to process. So I suggest the following to help you come to terms with the significant change. First, write or journal about the experience; it will help you put everything in perspective when you get it out of your head. Second, consider confiding in a trusted friend or relative to discuss your feelings and seek guidance along the journey. Or consider trained professional help which can offer you a more in-depth analysis and options to cope with the change.

#2. REST & RELAX - Slow and steady is the name of the game. Avoid extravagant purchases and life changes. Sometimes it is best to do nothing at all; this is that time. However, you may want to consider minor changes to the morning routine or incorporate a light exercise regime. I encourage some slight adjustments to keep your brain occupied yet avoid adding to the anxiety of retiring.

#3. PEOPLE & PURPOSE - For a significant time, work has been the source of your social interactions and, for many, was the primary purpose in life. Now that that's no longer the case, it's time to consider alternatives. Find your people and a new meaning. One way to do this is with the internet. You can find groups dedicated to any topic: Bowling, volunteering, board games, sailing, music production, building a house, cars, botany, poker and on and on. I encourage you to write down five of your top interests. Find a community online dedicated to it, and then get involved. Join groups, join leagues, form a group, create a society, host meetings etc. The world is a prominent place with many people who long to interact with others with the same interests. The internet allows us to connect with those people, so take advantage of it. Studies show that people who are social and have meaning in their life live longer. The internet is one way to accomplish this, and many more. Go and discover them, find your people and find a purpose.

#4. GET CREATIVE - Once you retire, you'll find yourself with much more time on your hands. The worst thing you can do is sit around and do nothing. The best thing is to find creative ways to spend your time. Now's the time to restore that car you always wanted to. Or write down your memoir. Join a fitness class, travel, maybe learn how to become an instructor. Pull out the old paint and canvas and dust off the brushes. Start your own business. Look at the courses offered by the community college immerse yourself in photography, cooking, woodworking, website design, public speaking, video editing. The options are only limited to your imagination. And remember, the only reason to do any of it is that it's fun. A quick tip: If it's no longer fun, then try something else. The beauty of retirement is the time it grants you and all the possibilities you can explore. What kind of life are you going to create? The choice is yours.

#5. HAVE A PLAN - Considering the big deal retirement is, you will need to invest the proper amount of time in creating a plan for this significant event. I suggest you talk to an experienced and qualified financial planner or advisor. Why do you ask? Because with so many decisions to be made and variables, a seasoned planner has most likely addressed many of the same issues that you face and will be able to offer options while seeing the overall picture with clear eyes. You only know what you know, and financial advisors and planners have spent a lifetime learning about taxes, investments and estate planning, so you don't have to. Perhaps they can offer an unknown approach or a different investment structure. As in life, what you don't know can hurt you. 

If you want to overcome the mental stress of transitioning to retirement, get your head in the game with the previous suggestions and create, review, and follow the plan. Your life will be better for it.

Call me if you have questions. 519.258.1995, or you can download the FREE eBook that teaches you how to build a successful relationship built on trust with a Financial Advisor. (CLICK HERE)

Alynn