Is it already time for retirement? You’ve spent 30+ years building your career and becoming an expert in your trade, and now the day has come where you go into the office one last time. This can be a happy, exciting, stressful, and confusing time in your life—what will you do with all your free time when you no longer have a job to show up to? The years after your career can be some of the best of your life; you just need to know how to spend your newfound free time!

Now that you’re retired, there is no time like the present to tackle that to-do list of yours. This is a great time to start that home remodel you’ve been planning for years! Upgrade your kitchen with new cabinets, counters, and flooring—include all the unique amenities you want to make it your dream kitchen. A useful guide about quartz versus granite counterops will help you navigate this confusing process. Don’t forget to install a Bi-Fold Passthrough Window for easy serving and entertainment on the patio! When you remodel the living room, keep an open floor plan and consider a folding patio door system to connect your living space to your outdoor entertainment area.

Retirement is the best time to travel the world and see new places. You can take an extended trip and visit cities and monuments on your bucket list. Whether you have a travel buddy, or take a solo trip, you will have the time of your life! If you are a free spirit, don’t make any plans. Book a one-way ticket to a foreign land and take your adventure one day at a time—you never know where you might end up or whom you might meet! Enjoy the sights, the food, and the people, and the lack of responsibility that retirement allows.

If you’re inspired to spend the next year or two traveling, consider downsizing your family home to something a little cozier that requires less maintenance. Now that the kids are grown up and out of the house, and you only plan to be home between vacations, there is no reason to hold on to a large home that you don’t have time to maintain! To learn more about downsizing your home, click here.

A generous and rewarding way to spend some of your free time is by volunteering and giving back to your community. Find a cause you are passionate about—whether it’s cleaning up the beaches, helping the homeless, mentoring children, or spending time at the local humane society, it will be time well spent! You probably have valuable skills and knowledge that you developed throughout your career which could benefit these non-profit programs. Do some research to find your perfect fit and enjoy making the world a better place!

Dedicating plenty of time to staying active will extend your healthy years and give you more energy to enjoy your retirement. Join a gym and take advantage of the classes—this will teach you new exercise routines and give you the opportunity to meet and connect with other retirees! There are classes for every taste so don’t hesitate to try something new, you may find that you love it! Check your community’s city-sponsored recreation programs. Most cities offer affordable senior-focused fitness classes, dance classes, and sports leagues, as well as travel deals.

You now have plenty of free time to work on your favorite hobby. Don’t be afraid to try new hobbies and sign up for a painting, pot throwing, or cooking class. It’s fun to take a class to learn the tricks of the trade and develop your skills further in the company of others. Classes like this are a great place to make new friends and interact with diverse people!

However you spend your free time, be sure you are getting enough exercise, eating healthy, and sleeping well—these are the secrets to living a long and healthy life. Enjoy your retirement!