Retirement should be a time of joy, not a period of stress. But the habits we’ve formed over the years can often sneak into our golden years, hindering our happiness.

If you’re truly aiming for a contented retirement, it’s time to bid farewell to certain behaviors.

Let me share with you 10 habits that you should kick to the curb if you want a happier retirement.

Trust me, by saying goodbye to these habits, you’ll be saying hello to retirement filled with joy and satisfaction.

Let’s dive in.

1) Neglecting your health

One of the most essential aspects of a happy retirement is, without a doubt, good health.

Unfortunately, many of us develop habits over time that can potentially harm our health in the long run. A sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption – these are all habits that could rob us of our well-being in retirement.

Living a healthy lifestyle is not only about extending our lifespan. It’s about enhancing the quality of our lives. It’s about feeling good in our bodies and enjoying the freedom to engage in activities we love.

If you’re dreaming of a happy retirement, a crucial first step is to say goodbye to any habits that may be detrimental to your health.

It’s never too late to start making healthier choices. Your future self will thank you for it!

2) Procrastinating on financial planning

I learned this one the hard way. For years, I kept telling myself that I’d get around to planning my retirement finances “someday”. But someday never seemed to come, and before I knew it, I was nearing retirement with no clear plan in place.

This habit of procrastination when it comes to financial planning can lead to unnecessary stress and worry during what should be a carefree phase of life.

Once I finally sat down to really crunch the numbers, I realized that with a little bit of strategy, I could live comfortably in my retirement.

That’s why it’s so important to say goodbye to the habit of procrastinating on financial planning.

Start now, no matter how far away retirement may seem. The peace of mind it brings is absolutely worth it.

3) Spending time with negative people

Did you know that the attitudes and emotions of the people around us can significantly affect our own mood and outlook on life? It’s a phenomenon known as emotional contagion.

If you’re constantly surrounded by negativity, it can quickly seep into your own mindset, creating a cloud of pessimism that can hinder your happiness in retirement.

Saying goodbye to the habit of spending time with individuals who drain your energy and bring you down is a step towards a more joyful retirement. Surround yourself with optimistic, uplifting people who encourage you to enjoy this new chapter in your life to the fullest.

4) Not setting personal goals

Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of ambition. On the contrary, it’s a golden opportunity to set new personal goals and explore interests you’ve always wanted to pursue.

Many people slip into the habit of letting their days pass by without structure or purpose. This can lead to feelings of boredom and restlessness, which can quickly sour the sweetness of retirement.

Set personal goals, whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a new hobby, or even writing that book you’ve always dreamt of. Having something to strive for can add a sense of fulfillment and joy to your retirement years.

5) Resisting change

Change is an inevitable part of life, and retirement is a major transition that comes with its own set of changes.

Some people struggle with this transition and resist the changes it brings, holding onto old routines and patterns that might not serve them well in this new phase of life.

But resisting change can lead to feelings of discontentment and frustration.

Embracing change instead of resisting it can make the retirement years more enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether it’s adapting to a new daily routine, moving to a new place, or developing new social networks, saying goodbye to the habit of resisting change can open the door to a happier retirement.

6) Failing to express gratitude

It’s easy to take things for granted, especially the simple joys and blessings we encounter daily. But these often overlooked aspects of life can bring immense happiness if we take the time to appreciate them.

Failing to express gratitude can rob us of the joy these moments bring. But by embracing a habit of thankfulness, we can significantly enhance our happiness in retirement.

Start a gratitude journal, say thank you more often, or simply take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. By saying goodbye to the habit of overlooking life’s blessings and welcoming a spirit of gratitude, we can enrich our retirement with joy and contentment.

7) Being too self-reliant

I’ve always prided myself on my independence. But when I retired, I quickly realized that it’s okay to ask for help sometimes.

Whether it’s seeking financial advice, asking for assistance with a difficult task, or simply reaching out to others for emotional support, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to navigate retirement alone.

Saying goodbye to the idea of needing to do everything independently can open up opportunities for connection, growth, and increased happiness in our retirement years. After all, we’re social creatures by nature and we thrive on interaction and support from others.

8) Chasing after happiness

It might sound strange, but one of the habits that can actually hinder our happiness in retirement is the relentless pursuit of happiness itself.

This constant chase often leads us to overlook the happiness that’s already present in our lives. We get so focused on trying to achieve some idealized state of bliss that we fail to appreciate the contentment that can be found in our everyday experiences.

Instead, focus on living fully in each moment and finding joy in the simple things. You might be surprised at how much happier this approach can make you feel.

9) Living in the past

Retirement can sometimes lead us to reflect on our past – the choices we made, the opportunities we missed, the paths we took. While a certain amount of reflection is healthy, dwelling too much on the past can prevent us from fully enjoying the present.

Living in the past and holding onto regrets is a habit that can significantly impact our happiness in retirement.

Embrace your present moments and look forward to what’s still to come. Your happiest days may well be ahead of you!

10) Forgetting to laugh

Laughter is often described as the best medicine, and for a good reason. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. And nothing works faster to bring your body and mind back into balance than a good laugh.

Forgetting to laugh and enjoy the lighter side of life can rob us of joy in our retirement years.

Ensure you embrace laughter. Watch a funny movie, share a joke with a friend, or even try laughter yoga!

Final thoughts: It’s about embracing change

Retirement is a significant transition, a journey into a new phase of life, and it’s often the habits we carry with us that shape this journey.

The habits we discussed, from neglecting health to forgetting to laugh, are not just actions but reflections of our mindset. And sometimes, it’s our mindset that needs the most retirement planning.

Remember, happiness in retirement isn’t about clinging to the past or fearing the future. It’s about embracing the present, welcoming change, and making intentional choices that enrich our lives.

To quote Abraham Lincoln, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” As you navigate your retirement, you have the power to choose happiness, one habit at a time.

So as you reflect on these habits and how they might be influencing your retirement, remember that each day offers a new opportunity for change. An opportunity to say goodbye to old habits and hello to a happier retirement.