During much of our lives, we are busy at work, taking care of our family’s needs and securing their future. So, when an individual finally decides to retire, the chances are they may suddenly find themselves running out of chores to do. Which is a good thing! But at first, it may take a little time to get used to.
But this is when you can consider pursuing a long-lost hobby you never had time for or learn something new that challenges and excites you, especially if you are in a retirement village on the North Shore Sydney, where you can get the support, company, activities and assistance you need. Today, we will chat about a few of the hobbies and activities that you can try out now that you have the time, finally! And in Australia, there are lots of options!
- Read Your Favourite Books
Join a book club or get back into reading, starting with your favourite book or one you’ve heard about. If you are getting back to reading after a long time, setting a daily target will help. Once you complete some reading for the day, the feeling of accomplishment will make you want to pick up the book again the next day. And the best thing is, if you are so into it and you can’t put it down, you don’t have to! No rushing off to work or getting to bed early due to having work the next day.
If you find it difficult to get back into reading, you can join a book club (or even start a small one of your own) and have open discussions about the characters, plots, and points of view. You can also get book recommendations that will broaden your reading horizons. You may even find a new favourite author. In case you have a penchant for writing, you can also start maintaining an everyday journal or work on your own book! Or, what about a biography for the family to pass down from generation to generation?
- Take Up Gardening
Gardening is a top choice among many looking for a new hobby. And it’s no wonder. It’s relaxing, rewarding and great exercise too. It also helps the body and mind to be out in nature and the fresh air and soaking up some vitamin D. Gardening adds beauty to landscapes and instils a sense of happiness and accomplishment in seeing your efforts bloom. It is common for retirement villages to have gardening clubs and spaces where people can grow flowers and even vegetables of their choice on their own. Check them out!
- Art and Crafts
Indulge your artistic side by creating various arts and crafts. From painting to pottery and woodworking, there are a lot of art options you can choose from. Additionally, if you are interested in learning new types of creative pursuits, you can always request your retirement community to organise workshops for it. You may even have a talent yourself that you now have the time to share with others.
Alternatively, you can always look up magazines and newspapers to get inspired and create unique artwork of your own. Remember, you are starting a hobby, and it is absolutely fine to have days when you are out of ideas and motivation. Pushing yourself to do something merely out of compulsion never helps. You have the luxury now to pick it up or put it down, totally at your own pace.
- Volunteering
If you are interested in continuing to hone your professional skills, why not offer volunteering services in the community? Through volunteering, you can interact with like-minded people, make new friends, offer your expertise, and use your experience to help in improving the management of events.
You can also assist in conducting workshops, maintaining logs, or even planning and organizing events. Volunteering allows people to use their skills and contribute to the community. It also gives a warm feeling of achievement through the act of helping
So, if you think this is something you might enjoy, please do so. Your talents need to be shared!
- Cooking and Culinary Classes
If you have always wanted to learn or even enjoyed cooking, now might be the perfect time to pursue the hobby wholeheartedly. There are various cooking techniques that you can take up, then show off your skills the next time family is over to visit. We are lucky in Australia to have so many different cuisines to learn from, too.
If you want to learn something challenging, you can try learning how to make pasta and loaves of bread from scratch. Your neighbors will be grateful! Baking is another cooking skill you can challenge yourself with.
- Some Parting Words
Retirement is a time when one is free from having to earn and provide for their family. It is more of a time when you can connect with yourself once again. Who are you? What do you love to do? What new thing might you like to try? Having hobbies is important as it helps manage your time, keeps boredom at bay, and teaches you new skills to keep the brain active and the heart happy.
Retirement villages like Bougainvillea offer plenty of opportunities to explore new hobbies and interests. The only pre-requisite? Keep your spirits high and be ready to challenge yourself!
