[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hobbies during retirement can give you a sense of purpose, improve your mental and physical health, and help you stay sharp.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After retirement, nurses should consider developing a hobby within the healthcare field, like blogging or mentoring new graduate nurses. Or they can work part time as a consultant, first-aid instructor, or high school teacher.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Retired nurses may also enjoy a long list of activities outside the healthcare field where they can expand their social network and reduce the risk of getting lonely or bored.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Functional medicine health consultant, Dana Gallik, FNP-C, CFMP, compares the human brain to Newton’s laws of motion. During your working years, your brain is constantly stimulated but during retirement, this stimulus is gone. This might allow your brain to rest a little bit more than you want.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hobbies can give you a sense of purpose, improve your mental and physical health, and keep your mind active. Let’s explore the benefits of having a hobby, especially during retirement, and 15 hobby ideas for retired nurses recommended by our contributors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Benefits of Hobbies for Retired Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clara Sutton is the human resources manager of Healthier Trajectory. She believes there are many reasons retired nurses should take up a hobby. While staying mentally and physically healthy is a primary concern, hobbies can also help you stay connected to the nursing community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the most common reasons a person becomes a nurse is their desire to help others and have a direct and measurable impact on people’s lives. Athena Kan is the CEO and cofounder of Dreambound and a former researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She reminds us that hobbies are an opportunity to continue to help people, give back, and stay sharp.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can also use their hobbies to keep up with new developments in the healthcare field and maintain a sense of identity when their hobby aligns with their passion and purpose.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]15 Hobby Ideas for Retired Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re exploring things to do as a retired nurse, consider the following 15 ideas as a starting point. The number of hobbies you could explore is only limited by your imagination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Blogging and Writing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Blogging is a wonderful way of communicating with other nurses around the world. You might find an audience by talking humorously about the profession or by sharing your wisdom. Who knows? You may even become a nurse influencer.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Photography[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Smartphones and digital cameras make it easier to take up photography as a hobby. You can create a portfolio on social media and upload your photos to free sites so your images are used and shared around the world. Several free apps can help with filtering and editing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Gardening[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gardening is rewarding in many ways. Spending time outdoors can help boost your mood and calm your mind. Depending on whether you choose to garden with transplants or seeds, you could see immediate improvements to your space or create anticipation for a harvest.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You don’t need a large yard to garden; you can use containers, pots, or grow towers too.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Volunteering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several places where you can spend your time volunteering and helping out those in need. Think about volunteering at an area animal shelter where you can show a little love to some dogs and cats, baking for a local nursing home, or volunteering with your local religious group.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Mentoring[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider being a mentor for a child or college student who would benefit from your years of experience. Your local hospital may be interested in starting a mentorship program with retired nurses for new grads. You have experience and a unique perspective that you can pass down to the next generation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Teaching[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is a current shortage of nurse educators. Kan suggests considering a teaching role for nursing assistants, licensed practical/vocational nurses, and registered nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many programs have part-time roles where retired nurses can pass on their experience and find fulfillment while mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Learning a New Language[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gallik suggests learning a new language and tells the story of a 100-year-old man she met who was learning his seventh language.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I often noticed him wearing headphones. I was shocked to learn that it wasn’t music that he was listening to, but a language learning program,” she says. “He responded to the look on my face … pointed to his temple and said ‘If ya don’t use it, ya lose it.’”[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The idea is that learning something new can help keep your brain active.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Taking an Art Class[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Making art is a creative process that helps lower stress, promotes self-confidence, and enhances your dexterity. There are lots of different styles of art that you can explore. Painting, sculpture, and ceramics are just a few. Consider taking an art class and establishing a wider social network.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Cooking[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We all have to eat, but you may not have had the time to explore new methods of cooking while you were working full time. Cooking is a relaxing and productive hobby that you can share with others. Cooking classes can help you learn new techniques and open up your social network.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Playing Board Games[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board games have been around for thousands of years and many cities have clubs where people gather to play backgammon, mancala, and chess.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Jewelry Making[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you love crafting and handmade jewelry, you may want to consider making jewelry. Do-it-yourself crafting offers you the opportunity to network with others who enjoy the same thing. You might even decide to sell what you make.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Learning to Play an Instrument[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Put away your headphones. It’s time to learn how to play an instrument. Learning to play an instrument engages your brain in a way that no other puzzle or hobby can. It can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding and the end result can be beautiful music.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Exercising With Others[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Exercise is foundational to good health but sometimes doing it on your own is tiresome and boring.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Look for a club in your area that will keep you motivated. Whatever you like to do, there’s likely a group of people who get together every week to do it.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Joining/Starting a Book club[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reading and discussing what you’ve read is a great way to build a social network and keep your brain active. There are many types of book clubs that meet online or in person. If you don’t find one that speaks to you, you can start your own. Whether you enjoy reading fiction, nonfiction, romance, or sci-fi, there’s likely something for you.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Working a Part-time Job[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Just because you’re retired, doesn’t mean you can’t have a job to fill your hours during retirement and pad your bank account. Freelance health writer, first-aid instructor, high school teacher, and consultant are just some of the positions where a retired nurse could make a big impact.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Preparing for Retirement?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The earlier you start planning for retirement, the more you can save and invest so you have the money in your retirement years to enjoy your hobbies. Seek professional help from a financial advisor. Review and, if needed, adjust your plan every couple of years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you approach retirement, it’s also important to prepare for the free time you’ll have each day. Most people go from working full time to retiring which can be too drastic of a change.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Think about moving to part-time status for 2-3 years so you’re able to fill the extra hours and can move seamlessly into full-time retirement. However you decide to prepare for your retirement years, they are inevitable. But, they don’t have to be boring, lonely, or frustrating.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider the types of hobbies that interest you and learn more about them so you are ready to engage your body and brain when you’ve reached your last day of work at your full-time job.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Dana Gallik, FNP-C, CFMP” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1678224335/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/dana-gallik.jpg” img-alt=”Dana Gallik, FNP-C, CFMP” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Dana Gallik is a functional medicine nurse practitioner. She owns [hen-ui-link href=”http://app.standout.digital/free/danagallik/destinationvitalityltd/services”]two functional medicine businesses[/hen-ui-link] that help people overcome their health struggles and optimize their health by understanding the ways their body is trying to communicate with them.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Clara Sutton” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1671069080/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/clara-sutton.png” img-alt=”Clara Sutton” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Clara Sutton worked as a nurse in the early stages of her career before making the switch to human resources. She is currently the HR manager at Healthier Trajectory, where she still uses some of her nursing skills, such as running the weekly health workshop.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Athena Kan” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1673557586/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/athena-kan.jpg” img-alt=”Athena Kan” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Athena Kan is the cofounder and CEO of [hen-ui-link href=”https://dreambound.com/”]Dreambound[/hen-ui-link]. Dreambound is a way for students to find healthcare training programs — from CNA to RN— and get help paying for classes. Kan graduated from Harvard University and worked at Johns Hopkins University researching minority health and health disparities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]