We spend most of our adult life following a schedule, whether it be pursuing a career, raising a family, or both. So why should it be any different in retirement? Here are three worthwhile reasons to prioritise routine as you enter your golden years.

Routine creates a sense of purpose

You may have spent the years leading up to retirement dreaming of the day you’ll be able to spend your time as you please, but the reality can often feel somewhat overwhelming. Having a routine in place goes a long way towards adding a sense of purpose to your days and, it can be as relaxed or as structured as you like. For example, you may prefer to have set times for waking up, showering and meals, and take the rest of the day as it comes. Or, you may wish to set up a more detailed schedule that includes things like your morning coffee, walking your dog, reading and errands. Whatever your day looks like, knowing what it holds, and what you have to look forward to, will help keep you positive and in control of your life.

Routine reduces stress

With a routine in place, you’ll wake up with a clear plan for your day instead of a sense of anxiety about how you’re going to fill the hours that lie ahead. While it’s important to have time when you can just be and take in the world around you – the fragrance of the flowers in your garden, the sound of birdsong – it’s equally important to avoid having too much time for reflection as this can lead to negative thought patterns.

Routine keeps you productive

Ever noticed that sometimes the more time you have, the less you end up doing? One of the problems with having too much time on your hands is that there’s always another opportunity to get something done, with the result that dishes get left, beds aren’t always made, and toast eventually becomes your staple diet. Keeping to a schedule on the other hand means that things get done and life stays organised.

Flexibility matters too

As helpful as it is to have a routine in place, it’s just as good to allow yourself the freedom to be spontaneous. So, if your grandchildren ask to spend an afternoon baking or gardening with you, or a friend invites you over for tea, shelve your scheduled activity – there’ll be time for it again next week.

It all starts with a vibrant community…

Evergreen Lifestyle Villages offer residents a wonderful environment in which to live with purpose. Our welcoming Lifestyle Centres, which lie at the heart of every village, are the perfect place to catch up with a friend or neighbour over an early morning cup of coffee, join a walking group for your daily exercise, or sign up for one of the clubs, societies or special interest groups that meet regularly to discuss everything from books to bird-watching.