In this discussion, Eric shares his journey prioritizing wellness after early retirement. He emphasizes that mental and physical health must be addressed alongside financial independence. The conversation delves into lifestyle changes and the challenges of maintaining healthy habits post-career. Eric highlights the value of professional mental health support and the societal shift toward accepting mental wellness as vital. Overall, it’s a candid look at navigating self-discovery and the importance of proactive health management during retirement.
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Quick takeaways
Prioritizing both mental and physical health is crucial in early retirement, as neglecting them can lead to serious issues.
Developing healthy routines takes advantage of the flexible schedule in retirement, promoting a balanced lifestyle for overall well-being.
Deep dives
The Impact of Early Retirement on Health
Early retirement can have varying effects on health, with individuals often reflecting on how they can use their newfound time to focus on exercise and wellness. The podcast discusses the importance of incorporating health planning into retirement strategies, as studies show conflicting data on early retirement and lifespan. Jason, who retired three years ago, shares his experience of devoting more attention to health matters, such as walking and hiking, which he now incorporates into his daily routine. The discussion emphasizes that while retirement provides opportunities for healthier habits, it requires conscious efforts to maintain those routines amidst life's unpredictability.
Establishing Health Routines
Creating healthy routines becomes easier in early retirement as individuals have more flexibility in their schedules. Jason notes that he now walks or hikes most days, compared to his previous life where such activities were mostly confined to weekends. This lifestyle change positively influences his overall health, allowing him to make more mindful food choices and avoid the pitfalls of frequent travel-related indulgence. Over time, he recognizes the importance of establishing good habits that can withstand the occasional slip into vacation mode, especially during social events with friends and family.
Awareness of Mental Health
The conversation delves into the significance of mental health in retirement, a topic often overlooked in the pursuit of physical wellness. Jason acknowledges that the lack of a structured routine can lead to cognitive decline and a diminished sense of purpose, prompting him to seek professional help for mental health support. He discusses the benefits of speaking with a psychiatrist to explore underlying issues, allowing for self-reflection that may lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. This aspect highlights the necessity of treating mental health with the same attention as physical health, especially during life transitions.
Holistic View of Health
A holistic approach to health considers both physical and mental well-being, as emphasized by insights from Peter Atiyah's book, 'Outlive.' Jason reflects on how retirement allows him to reevaluate his mental state and foster better emotional health alongside physical health, drawing attention to the need for balance in both areas. The concept of 'health span'—prolonging the period of life where one feels well and able—is discussed as a fundamental goal for retirees. By integrating sleep, stability, and mental health into his lifestyle, Jason aspires to optimize his overall well-being during retirement.
If you're not giving mental and physical health the same level of attention as your financial health, you're playing with fire. In this episode, Jason talks with Eric about what steps he's taking to prioritize his own wellness in early retirement, including a frank conversation about mental health. Here they discuss steps to promote wellness, the distinct challenges of retirement, and much more. Don't miss the show notes as they include a link to Jason's latest blog post on the topic of mental health.