For many, reaching retirement is a great and well-deserved achievement, with years of relaxation and fulfilment to enjoy. However, few people reach this stage of life without having any worries or feelings of sadness – which are inevitable outcomes of experiencing such a huge life transition. Feelings of financial insecurity and lack of purpose are common, but can, nevertheless, be overcome.

The initial stages of retirement are usually enjoyed greatly, with many individuals, all of a sudden, being given time to do everything that they want to do – and couldn’t do – during times of employment. This could be described by some as a novelty that ‘wears off’ after a period of intense enjoyment – with some feeling as though they have too much time on their hands. Undesirable feelings such as these are far from rare, and are not necessarily talked about for fear of feeling shameful. However, it’s important to remember that feeling a rollercoaster of emotions as a result of a major life transition is completely normal – and with a few changes of perspective, you’ll realise that retirement is a stage of life well earned.

Having more time on your hands is no less than a luxury. However, in order to avoid feelings of loneliness and lack of purpose, spend time thinking about and planning how you can best make use of your retirement. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to volunteer for a charity, or take some time out to travel and explore new places? You’ll also have the opportunity to spend more time with the people who mean the most to you.

During this stage of life, it’s important to make the effort to stay connected with other members of your family, and your friends. Setting up social media accounts, if you haven’t already, is a great way to re-connect with old friends – and keep in touch with your closest ones. Alternatively, why not join a local club with like-minded people? Making the effort to surround yourself with people you know and enjoy spending time with helps to combat feelings of loneliness.

Giving yourself time to adjust in the first stages of retirement is one of the most important things you can do. This will help you to reflect on and adjust to this transition more easily, whilst giving you time to plan the best ways to use your time. Above all else, make sure to look after yourself – eating healthily and engaging in regular exercise is the best way to maintain good mental and physical health during this stage of life. Additionally, talking to your family and friends about how you feel is important for imparting any worries you have – and ensures you maintain those all-important social connections.