Retirement is a time for relaxation and quality time with your loved ones, but it can also be a time to explore new interests. It’s important to stay active and to challenge yourself to try new things, and research suggests that learning new things can help preserve memory functions.[1] If you haven’t yet attempted painting, sculpting, or playing an instrument, it might seem uncomfortable at first to start now. But you might be surprised at what you end up liking. This summer is a great time to pick up a creative hobby, so here are some ideas for embracing your creative side in retirement.

Learning a New Instrument

Whether you used to play an instrument as a kid and didn’t continue or have never picked up an instrument in your life, retirement can be a time to continue or discover a talent you didn’t know you had. The piano, the guitar, and the drums are just a few instruments that you may have been wanting to learn but never had the chance to. All you’ll need is to purchase the instrument and find a teacher to guide you. Who knows, maybe you’ll have the chance to join a local band and play those Eric Clapton or The Temptations tunes you’ve always wanted to jam to!

Pottery Making

Learning how to make pottery may sound like a niche activity, but you’d be surprised at how many pottery studios there are in towns all over the country. You may enjoy pottery classes not just because you’re learning a new skill and creating works of art, but because it’s easy to make friends in pottery classes and all you need to do is sign up!

Painting

Painting is one of the most common creative hobbies for retirees. There are likely painting classes available for you in your area. In these classes, you may also get the chance to meet new people and learn techniques from a teacher. However, painting can also be done anywhere. If you value your alone time, buying supplies and painting on your own can be a great way to relax. You can set up a studio in your home, in your garage, or go outside to paint your environment. Either way, painting might be a great way to unwind this summer.

All in all, your retirement could be a time of great productivity, but of a different kind than you experienced at your job. Talk to a retirement planning professional to get one step closer to a comfortable and enriching retirement. Click HERE to sign up for a time to meet us at Zinnia Wealth Management.