‘I felt depressed when I retired until I stopped doing these 9 things’

Retirement is often painted as a golden reward – a life of leisure, travel, and unhurried days after decades of hard work. But for one writer, it didn’t feel like winning anything at all.

Farley Ledgerwood, a 68‑year‑old writer, wrote in a blog post about how in the first months of leaving his career behind, he felt “lonely, bored, and oddly adrift,” with the freedom of retirement quickly losing its shine. “I had time, sure,” he wrote, “but it felt like time without purpose.”

In the candid essay, he described how examining routines helped escape the post‑retirement slump. By letting go of certain daily habits, he said, he rediscovered energy, connection, and meaning. Here are the nine habits he stopped, and the difference it made.

1. Stop waking up aimlessly

Many retirees enjoy ditching the alarm clock, but completely unstructured mornings can quickly lead to aimlessness. Research on ageing shows having a routine – even a loose one – supports mental health and helps keep days purposeful.

Ledgerwood recognised this after too many mornings that vanished without direction. “I’d linger in bed, flip on the news, and by noon, wonder where the day had gone,” he said.

The fix was simple – planning the next day the night before. Even small intentions, like scheduling a walk, organising lunch with a friend, or tackling a household task, can help regain a sense of momentum.

2. Stop letting social ties fade

Retirement often shrinks a person’s social world. Workplace friendships naturally drift, and casual day‑to‑day interactions disappear. Social connection is crucial for emotional and even physical health, with studies showing it can reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Ledgerwood realised he couldn’t leave connection to chance. “I realized I couldn’t wait for people to reach out – I had to take the lead,” he said.

He joined a community gardening group, scheduled weekly coffee dates with an old friend, and signed up for a local book club. These small, intentional steps rebuilt his sense of belonging.

3. Stop overindulging in passive entertainment

Leisure activities like TV can be relaxing, but too much passive entertainment often leaves people feeling drained rather than refreshed. Experts recommend balancing screen time with hobbies that engage the mind and provide a sense of accomplishment.

For Ledgerwood, the television became background noise that ate up hours. “I was watching too much TV … I swapped one TV show for a hobby,” he explained.

He took up photography, spending time outdoors capturing everyday moments with his camera. It gave him something active and creative to look forward to.

4. Stop avoiding physical activity

Without the built‑in movement of a workday, many retirees become less active, which can lead to lower energy levels, aches and pains and long‑term health risks. Exercise – even light activities like daily walking – is proven to boost mood, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Ledgerwood said this was one of his biggest wake‑up calls. “Without the structure of a workday, movement became optional – and I too often chose the couch.”

5. Stop ignoring your deeper purpose

Many retirees struggle with the sudden loss of identity that comes from no longer working. Finding a deeper purpose – whether through volunteering, mentoring, or creative projects – can provide a vital sense of direction.

Ledgerwood felt the impact of this shift immediately. To fill the void, he began mentoring younger professionals in his field, volunteering with a local nonprofit, and dedicating more time to writing.

6. Stop spending all your time alone

While solitude can be healing, too much of it can quickly become isolating. Studies show that prolonged isolation in retirement increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems.

“I became a bit too comfortable in my own company – until it started to feel like a trap,” Ledgerwood said. Rebalancing a social life means making the effort to get out: chatting with neighbours, attending community events, or even striking up conversations at the dog park. These small interactions help break the cycle of isolation.

7. Stop living in the past

Reflecting on the past is normal, but when it turns into constant rumination or nostalgia for “better days,” it can keep retirees from fully engaging in the present. Techniques like mindfulness or gratitude journaling can help reframe perspective.

Ledgerwood caught himself replaying regrets and lingering on memories. “I’d catch myself replaying old mistakes… keeping a gratitude journal felt silly at first, but it rewired my attention toward the here and now.”

8. Stop resisting new technology

Avoiding technology can leave retirees feeling disconnected from family, friends, and the wider world. Learning to use digital tools like video calling, social apps, or online forums can foster connection and spark new interests.

Many retirees might relate to a sense of ‘Why bother at my age?’, but embracing technology can open new ways to connect – for example, with distant friends through Zoom, passing time via audiobooks, or checking online forums to get updated on hobbies.

9. Stop waiting for life to happen

Without work‑related pressures or deadlines, it’s easy to slip into passivity in retirement. Experts emphasise that actively seeking out new experiences is key to maintaining vitality and satisfaction.

Ledgerwood said this was his hardest habit to break. “For a while, I was waiting — for inspiration, for company, for something to make life interesting.”

The change came when he took ownership of his time, saying “yes” to tai chi classes, cooking workshops, and day trips – even on his own. It gave him a sense of agency and a richer, more vibrant day‑to‑day life.