Retirement is something many of us look forward to. Without the pressures of work, there is more time to be with friends, family and to take up new hobbies. It all sounds wonderful, however, for many it is not as they imagine and depression, loneliness and anxiety can become a daily reality.

Retirement involves adjustment. Many people focus on planning for retirement by making sure that they are financially secure and, while this is obviously important, it is also wise to consider the emotional factors of stopping work and the impact this may have.

Retirement is a significant life change. It’s a major milestone that affects finances, social interactions and routines. You are likely to feel a mix of emotions. You may feel sad at leaving colleagues, you may feel a loss of purpose or perhaps relief at finally having some time to yourself, or you could feel a sense of dread at what may lie ahead. Everyone and every situation is different, but it can be helpful to prepare. To ease yourself into retirement and to plan ahead to create a sense of calm for yourself. You may not want to fill every hour of every day, but it can be helpful to think about what you are going to do with the time you now have.  What would you like to do? What do you enjoy? Is there something new you would like to take up? If you are with a partner this can be an opportunity to talk this through.

Often there is a honeymoon period as the realisation of lots of time creates feelings of freedom and choice. You can please yourself. However, if you just flit from one day to the next with no plans at all, you can quickly find yourself feeling disenchanted and bored.

In my work, I often talk with clients who are struggling with a lack of purpose having had a full and interesting career. They are not enjoying retirement and everything seems a bit grey. Often it is hard to articulate and pin-point because it is not what they were expecting.

How Hypnotherapy can help

Talking through how you are feeling with a professional can help you to find clarity and hypnotherapy can help you to feel lighter and get that spring back in your step. I can help you with reorientation by re-framing how you feel about this next stage in your life.

Hypnotherapy will help you to make those adjustments so that you feel happy and fulfilled when you plan for retirement. You may decide you want a new challenge, learn a new skill or take on some part-time, consultancy or charity work. Understanding what makes you tick – what gives you a sense of purpose and joy can help you to take the right steps forward for you. I can help you to adjust to this new reality and to see it as another beginning for you. It’s also very restorative and relaxing – so it’s a lovely way to spend an hour!

If you would like more information on how I can help you, then do please get in touch for a free 15-minute call and we can book you in for an online session.