GET HAPPY NOW
By Arnette Travis, Author/Activist/Advocate, RLACEI Contributing Author
W
e are urged to start planning for retirement almost from the time we begin work. In fact, for many people the retirement benefits offered by a company, institution or agency weigh heavily on whether they go to work there.
We can all agree that finance is essential to retirement planning and that there are many resources available to us. You can talk to a financial adviser, read books and articles, or use online tools.
But there is another key element that is often omitted or taken for granted in our retirement plans: Happiness. Why is happiness important? For starters, it can improve our physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Specifically:
- Physical health is improved by reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and protecting against heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
- Mental health is improved by reducing anxiety and depression, increasing self-esteem and optimism.
- Relationships are improved because happy people are more likable and supportive, and as a result, they have more positive relationships with other people.
- Happiness improves the overall quality of life by making people more productive at work and school and increases their satisfaction with life.
What does retirement planning for happiness look like?
During their work years, people who plan for happiness prioritize spending time with loved ones, pursuing their passions and helping others. Coincidentally, this doesn’t mean that they are less successful in their careers than those who spend 60-plus hours a week working. It does mean that they are more likely to live longer, healthier, happier lives and spend their time with meaning and purpose when they retire.
