How to stay busy in the early days of retirement

Retirement can be a welcome change for some, but it is also a big life adjustment. It's important to stay busy so the change isn't a shock. Here are some tips on how to stay busy in the early days of retirement to set yourself up for a long life of happiness.

• If you've always found yourself too busy to prepare gourmet meals after work, retirement is a great time to start doing so!
• Take up cooking or baking either by taking lessons or by using books and videos to teach yourself.
• It's fun to experiment in the kitchen and, in addition to taking up a few hours of your day, you'll get to enjoy delicious food.

• People who live with animals tend to be happier and more fulfilled than those who don't. They can add a lot of joy to your life and also keep you on a regular schedule.
• Dogs can help ensure exercise and provide a bonus ice breaker to meeting out in the neighbourhood.

• If you have a little extra money tucked away, why not use this time to start travelling? You no longer have to wait until your coveted days off until you can plan a trip — you are free to take off anytime!
• Look for cruises, guided tours in faraway places or venture off with family or on your own.

• Retirement is a great time to maximize your time with your family.
• If you have kids or grandkids, you can offer to help out with babysitting or running errands. Give yourself more time to enjoy them.

• You don't have to be a professional writer to write a book.
• Sit down and start penning the new thoughts that you're having now that you're older and write down some of your most poignant memories from your life.
• Even if you don't choose to organize it and get it published, it will still be fun for your family and loved ones to read someday.