By Meghan Streit

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Many of life’s most exciting transitions, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a new job, bring with them an often unanticipated side effect—stress. The same is true for retirement.

Many people look forward to the joys of retirement, whether that includes travel, more time with family, or the freedom to pursue a new hobby. What most people don’t anticipate is feeling stressed. But like any life transition, retirement can be a significant departure from many of your established routines.

“I think one of the really big things [that causes stress for retired people] is an increase in time,” says Dr. Gail Osterman, a Northwestern Memorial Hospital health psychologist.

“When you’re working, you’re busy each day, you’re separate from your family, and you have a life purpose.”

When you retire, your daily life is likely to be diff erent, which can be a stressful adjustment.

Pay attention to your stress level

A little bit of stress can be productive because it can motivate people to take action or make positive life changes, according to Simon Jencius, a mental health expert who recently spoke about stress management at Monarch Landing.

But when stress persists over a prolonged period of time, it can manifest as anxiety or depression, Jencius says. That’s why it’s important to tune into whatever is causing you stress before the problem becomes more difficult to manage.

Jencius advises people he treats to reframe negative thoughts in a more positive way and to challenge themselves to try new things to break out of a rut.

“You don’t have to be clinically diagnosed with anxiety or depression,” Jencius says. “These are suggestions you can use in your everyday life.”

Hobbies and friends can help