Before and after retirement

Now that I am retired, I have plenty of time to take care of myself and my family. My daily routine is simple, peaceful, and balanced. I spend time caring for my wife, taking my granddaughter for a walk, and preparing and enjoying breakfast and dinner with my wife. I keep in touch with friends and relatives through WhatsApp and email, read the newspaper, and relax with television or OTT programmes. After lunch, I take a short nap. In the evening, I give dedicated time to my physical and mental well-being through meditation and yoga. I end the day by taking my medicines and going to bed early. Retirement has helped me realise that self-care is not a luxury; it is an essential part of living a healthy and meaningful life.

Before retirement, my life was very different. I was a workaholic, and work often followed me home. Teaching was not confined to college hours—even at home, I would be preparing lesson plans, thinking about students, and attending to academic responsibilities. I was professionally committed, but the emotional cost was that I was often physically present at home while my mind was still at work. Time with family, relaxation, personal interests, and even listening to my own needs were pushed into the background. I did not consciously choose to neglect them; work simply kept taking priority, day after day. Looking back, I realise that I was managing my professional responsibilities well, but not managing my own life equally well. Retirement has given me the opportunity to restore that balance—to be more present with my family, care for my body and mind, and enjoy the simple moments that I once had little time to appreciate.