Meditation and mindfulness techniques are becoming increasingly popular with people of all ages as a tool to cope with stress or to quieten and relax the mind. These techniques can be especially beneficial during transitions that might bring about uncertainty, distress, pressure, or anxiety.
Retirement is a huge life transition. And, no matter how much you prepare yourself for it, it will bring about a massive change in your everyday life, resulting in changes in your thoughts, attitude, and mental well-being as well.
Learning mindfulness techniques, and applying yourself to the practice of meditation, can make all the difference when it comes to feeling mentally prepared for retirement.
“For many, retirement is a time for personal growth, which becomes the path to greater freedom.” Robert Delamontague
What are meditation and mindfulness?
While mindfulness and meditation are connected, they are not the same thing – mindfulness is a technique and meditation is a practice.
Through the practice of meditation, you can develop different qualities, including mindfulness, making mindfulness a popular type of meditation. But, it can also be used in ways that don’t include meditation. Overall, it is a way to increase your awareness of the present moment.
Their main purpose is to help you be more aware of your thoughts so that you are better able to manage them and not become overwhelmed. They help you into a relaxed state of mind by increasing your awareness of your present thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
How do you practice mindfulness and meditation?
Most people when thinking of meditation or mindfulness, picture sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, chanting mantras. But really, all there is to it is just paying attention to the present moment.
Mindfulness is a natural quality within you and is there for you to use anytime you need or want it. You can take mindful moments or meditate anytime, anywhere – all you need to do is devote some time to connect with your mind at the present moment.
Try it out. Find a place where you feel calm, and start to notice your body. You can kneel, sit, stand, whatever feels comfortable for you, and just really connect with where you are and how you feel. Notice your breath, follow it in and out as you breathe. Your mind will wander, but just bring it back to the present moment, and don’t get frustrated with yourself if it takes a while to stop your thoughts from wandering. Keep your attention on your breath.
That’s it! It is just harnessing the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where you are and what you’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed.
How can Meditation and Mindfulness help prepare you for retirement?
When you think of planning for your retirement, what you usually focus on is your finances. And while it is definitely important to consider the financial aspect of retirement, you should also consider the psychological and emotional changes that retirement brings.
Using mindfulness and meditation techniques can help you to overcome any stress or anxiety about the upcoming changes in your life. It can also help you connect with your inner desires, helping you to plan how you will find happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of your life.
The next part of your life may be at a much slower pace, which can require a significant mental adjustment. Another challenge that retirement can bring is how to remain productive when you’re no longer working, or how to identify yourself outside of your career.
All of these changes and concerns are completely normal and understandable, yet aren’t always the easiest to navigate. By taking the time to meditate, or connect with yourself mindfully, you are allowing yourself to deeper the understanding of your emotions. It allows you to focus without distraction
“Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Rochelle Udell spent almost 50 years working in the relentless, non-stop worlds of advertising and magazine publishing, with senior positions at places like Vogue and Self. When the time came for her to retire, she felt very aware that she would need some help when it came to adjusting to this new period in her life. The help she found was meditation.
“When the time came to retire, I wasn’t sure what I was going to face. When I woke up the next day and I didn’t have the train to get on or a job to go to, I was faced with: ‘What kind of conversations am I going to have, with whom, about what?’ Meditation gave me a pathway to ask those questions without panic.
I’ve used meditation to help me find my next chapter, my place, my encore.”
Rochelle, Udell – Interview with CBS News
Meditation and mindfulness techniques remind you to keep your full attention on whatever you are experiencing at that moment in time. In doing so, you are no longer thinking of your past regrets or future concerns. By looking in a focused manner into the present, you can influence matters and set yourself at ease.
It is in the present that you have much better control and awareness. Learning to spend time mindfully is a skill that has many benefits for retirement and can also be an enjoyable experience too.
Are meditation and mindfulness part of your daily routine? Let me know in the comments!