Updated on February 22nd, 2023

Ten Creative Pastimes

Whiling away time after Retirement is easy, but what is important is to spend time wisely on activities which give you a personal satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment.   We all have liking for some activities which make us feel relaxed and give us enjoyment. Retirement gives you ample time and  opportunity to do such activities which you have always loved, but had no time or little time to  do it earlier. There are certain activities which are creative, which energise your mind and give you a feeling of contributing something to this world. Such activities not just keep you busy but are good for your overall wellness. I recommend the following seven most creative activities  which any retiree can undertake as  pastimes without the need of any additional gear or resources.

1. Reading, Writing and Blogging

1. Reading. These may be separate activities but I have clubbed them together as they are closely related. Reading non-fiction books is a very good creative pastime which can be undertaken at anytime, at anyplace and at any age. It stimulates your mind and generates interest in the subject that you are reading. You generally read on the subjects which you like. Reading constantly exercises your mind and helps you to learn something new in your life.
   

   An e-Book reader is a good investment. The advantage of eBook reader is its easy access to millions of books some of which may be free. Using an E-book reader you can even start reading a number of books simultaneously on a time sharing basis. At the same time you carry your entire library with you wherever you go.

2.  Writing. Nothing can be more creative than putting your thoughts on the paper. Writing anything,  which adds value to the existing pool of knowledge, is a challenging task and requires you to read a lot and carry out a research on the subject. Retirees have an advantage of having a wide experience which gives them adequate practical and useful knowledge  for sharing it with others. As you will always write on the subject which you love, writing becomes a very interesting and productive pastime. It forces you to think, gives you confidence and boosts up your self esteem.
3. Blogging/Publishing. Your writing is of no value unless you have audience who would read your work. To reach your target audience, either you can write articles in periodicals and publication or compile your writings and publish a book or use the electronic media for publishing your work as Blogs. Blogging is the fastest means to reach your audience and it is also the cheapest. You have an option to monetise your blogs if you start building an audience base.

2. Watching thought provoking Documentaries and listening to Podcasts and stimulating talks.

A study has indicated that most retirees spend an average of  2 to 4 hours daily on watching TV. This time can be best utilised by watching interesting documentaries and inspiring talks. Documentaries cover important topics in a captivating way and give out comprehensive information with different points of views. Watching documentaries is a good way of combining entertainment with knowledge. The purpose of a documentary is to document with evidence something that has actually happened. There are many good documentaries which you can directly stream from applications like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube etc. Similarly watching stimulating talks like TED talks give you a lot of insight in to what others are doing in the area of science, education, environment, productivity, business, technology, etc. Subscribing and listening to useful podcasts is another option. There are a variety of are thought provoking talks which add to your knowledge base without straining your eyes.

3. Travelling and Exploring the World.

Another creative pastime for retirees is to travel and explore the world. While in your active working life, you probably did not have adequate time to plan and undertake travel trips to exciting places which you always wanted to see. After retirement, one has adequate time to plan and travel for recreation, rest and relaxation. Resources are also generally not an issue, presuming that one has planned his/her retirement well.

Travelling recharges you and brings about a change of environment. Retirees who take vacations and travel often are comparatively  healthier and live a long life. Do not postpone your travel plans. Remember that after retirement you are ageing, and if you postpone it, you may not have the energy to undertake such trips. You don’t even have a certainty that you will live till you are old.

4. Exercise, Yoga & Meditation

We all undertake exercise is an essential requirement for our  body to keep us physically fit. Combining exercise with yoga and meditation makes you not only physically fit  but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually strong.  It is a very productive pastime which will boost your energy, help keep you calm and improves you concentration. This pastime is a good investment of time. Meditation is a known scientific technique for focussing and concentrating your mind on higher spirit, Once you feel the cosmic power flowing within you, the joy and positivity that you get will be far higher than any material pleasures of life.

5. Cooking Nutritious Meals

Cooking is one activity which is again a necessity for everyone at all ages. As you age, your requirement of nutrition becomes more critical. If you cook your food at home rather than ordering from outside, you can ensure that you always have good food which is rich in nutrition and supplies you with all the nutrition your body needs. It saves you money, keeps you in good health and makes your family happy as you are contributing effectively in the household tasks. Combining taste with nutrition makes this pastime a very rewarding one.

6. Gardening

Gardening is an enjoyable and relaxing outdoor pastime  that benefits both mind and body. Scientists have discovered that the mycobacterium, a bacteria found in soil improves brain functions. Being outdoor in sunshine and fresh air with nature helps you in reducing stress. Interacting with nature help release Serotonin hormone which acts as a mood stabiliser and makes you happy. Even if Retirees do not have vast expanse of land, they can do gardening through potted plants. Whether it’s flowers, fruits or vegetables, you can grow them all on your terrace or balcony.

7. Online courses

Learning something new which you like, makes you feel good, lifts your self-esteem and adds excitement to your life. Every time you learn something, your brain grows new cells.  It always keeps you young, no matter what your age is.  There is a wide variety of courses available today to choose from depending upon one’s interest and inclination. Today, professionally made videos give you a near-classroom effect. You can do these courses in the comfort of your home in your own time. There is no real pressure of time as most of these courses are paced comfortably. Many of these courses are free and and do not put any financial burden on you. It is never too late to learn anything new and you are never too old to do it. “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”– Henry Ford

8. Volunteering:

It gives fulfillment in giving back to their community. There are many opportunities to volunteer with organizations such as hospitals, schools, and libraries that you care about by donating time, money, or resources. Also consider mentoring young people,or offering your expertise to a non-profit organization.

9. Socializing:

Retirees often have more time to spend with family and friends. Participating in social activities such as book clubs, card games, and community events can provide opportunities to connect with others.

10. Artistic pursuits:

Retirement can be the perfect time to explore your creative side. Consider taking up painting, drawing, photography, music or other artistic pursuits that can provide a sense of accomplishment and personal expression.

Undertaking these ten activities would provide you with a feeling of physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental well being, which is considered essential for a happy long retired life.