We’re in the middle of Mental Health Awareness month. I’ve written on this topic before as it relates to retirement, but I think it deserves mention again. Retirement can create scenarios that can chip away at our mental well being.

Retirement can be an isolating experience despite the positive image it often has. The image can be portrayed as vast amounts of free time to call your own (think images of golf, the beach, playing cards and glasses of wine). But, while we may look forward to that and embrace it initially, over time the lack of structure and connection can impact us emotionally.

With our retirement we lose the social structure and interaction from our work, and this by itself can lead to loneliness and mental health concerns. Social connection is crucial for retirees, and they can combat isolation in many ways…by rekindling passions, joining communities, and staying active.

Retirement can be a fulfilling time if you prioritize connection and mental well-being. One way to do this – you knew this was coming – is by opting for some kind of a phased approach! By starting to wind down your work time in favor of that unstructured free time, you can ‘test drive’ how you’ll spend your time.

Don’t be afraid of a blank calendar, embrace it, but fill it with things to engage your brain, exercise your body and interact socially with others.

And don’t be afraid to reach out to others if you need assistance or someone to talk to. Just as professional networking is a way to make connections with others and seek their help, keeping connections in retirement can bring untold benefits.