Dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling: how to handle unexpected retirement stress
Are you struggling to adjust to retirement, or fear the prospect of leaving formal employment? Apart from financial changes, this life transition involves emotional, social, and other challenges. Psychologist Dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling discusses the 6 stages of retirement, how specific losses can affect individuals’ stress score, factors that can mitigate retirement stress, and how to navigate a sensible lead-in period.
If you’re new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Hannetjie and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.
In ep. 206 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, counselling psychologist and accredited mediator Dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling touches on
why planning ahead can optimise the transition to retirement
a definition of retirement: leaving formal employment
why the traditional concept of a 3-stage work life needs an overhaul
6 stages of retirement: 1 pre-retirement phase, 2 retirement event, 3 honeymoon phase, 4 what-now phase, 5 reorientation phase, 6 new routine
why stress increases nutrient needs
losses connected to retirement, e.g. belonging, purpose, significance, and social connections
needs for security, variety, connection, personal growth, etc. that may go unmet
financial constraints, including the cost of healthcare, household repairs and insurance, and supporting older parents or children
time affluence
loneliness, a lack of attention, and possible depression
relationship challenges, including ‘spousal intrusion’ and grey divorce
primal fears such as insecurity, perceived abandonment, cognitive function and loss of mobility
the Holmes & Rahe stress scale
how to mitigate retirement stress
sleep, the glymphatic system, and mental health
recommended supplements (B-complex nutrients, magnesium) and herbs (rhodiola and ashwagandha)
Hannetjie’s 3 tips for making the best of life.
In this podcast episode Hannetjie mentions The 100-year life by Linda Gratton; The upside of stress by Kelly McGonigal; Insight Timer app, especially the binaural tracks; Man’s search for meaning by Victor Frankl - Hannetjie also recommends What retirees want by Ken Dychtwald.
Scroll down for more info on Hannetjie, including her contact details,
Good news: ageing needn’t lead to decline. Here Hannetjie debunks 3 myths about ageing.
Order Distilled Wisdom: a Practical Guide to Positive Living & Ageing by Dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Distilled-Wisdom-Positive-Living-Ageing-ebook/dp/B08BN6VDTV - Kindle edition.
Read Hannetjie’s practical tips for reducing stress and keeping calm in these turbulent times.
Hannetjie clarifies the issue of emotional eating and what our subconscious may be trying to tell us when we carry excess weight.
Here Hannetjie explains how to best handle conflict in your personal relationships.
Read Hannetjie’s heart-felt thoughts on motherhood.
About, with contact details
Dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling is a counselling psychologist with a private practice, public speaker, artist and author who lives and works in Johannesburg. She has also studied dietetics. Her Ph.D. deals with the mind-body connection, specifically regarding bulimia.
Tel. 0824604575
Website www.drhannetjie.co.za
Email address han@emlct.com
Pinterest: Dr Hannetjie (@hannetjie777)
Vind uit wat Hannetjie te sê het oor ‘n gelukkige huwelik en kry ‘n blik op haar skilderwerk.
Hannetjie explains how we can optimise our physical, psychological, financial and social “portfolios” to ensure quality of life in our later years - the earlier, the better.
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!
Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman, feat. Matinino and James Robb
Thumbnail image: Unsplash. Model used.
Photograph of Dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling: supplied