Mental wellness in retirement is all about adjusting to a new chapter of your life. You have a new license on life! You suddenly have a lot more free time and less day-to-day stress. However, some members say it can also bring about unexpected challenges. Without the structure of work, you might feel unsure on how to fill your days. While it might be difficult to imagine what your retirement will look like, envisioning your retirement lifestyle can help you mentally prepare for it. It’s all about maintaining your mental wellness in retirement.
One of the biggest motivators to staying mentally well during retirement is having a sense of purpose. When you start to think of retiring you might want to consider what your retirement lifestyle will be and how you will fill your free time with things you find meaningful.
For some members spending time on hobbies for personal growth or volunteering by giving back to the community gives them a new sense of purpose. Having some structure to your days in retirement can keep your mood and motivation positive. For other members keeping care of their mental wellness means spending time with family and friends. When you stop working, you might miss the daily socialisation with others. Keeping in touch with friends and family or joining a club or community group can keep your retirement social.
The mind and body are connected. Keeping a healthy routine will help to ensure you keep your mental wellness in good shape. Although retirement often gives you more freedom, having structure in your day and keeping to your regular routine will help you feel your best. Some people say that waking up and going to bed at the same time every day is a huge help. Sleeping well is only part of mental wellness, remember to eat well and move your body as much as you’re able. Eating well and moving your body will help lead you to a more enjoyable retirement.
When you fully retire with the IBEW Local 353, so long as you didn’t let your coverage lapse and you qualify, you will continue to receive valuable health benefits. Make sure you read your Retiree Benefit Plan booklet here to ensure you can keep using the great mental wellness and paramedical benefits that are available to you.
Need some inspiration on how to stay on top of your mental wellness in retirement? Your Member Assistance Program (MAP), Telus Health, has support for all kinds of issues including keeping you healthy in retirement. You can visit their website for various articles and videos on preparing for retirement and how to feel balanced during retirement. Visit one.telushealth.com or call 1-866-289-6749 and indicate you are a member of the IBEW Local 353. Your MAP is available 24/7 year-round. To login into onetelushealth.com, use the username: canadalife | password: telus1
Questions? We’re here to help! You can email us at members@teibas.com or call us at 416-637-6789 (toll-free 1-800-267-0602) for assistance during our regular office hours (Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).