If the time has come for you to hang up your 'employee' badge and enter retirement, part of you may be thinking 'what now'?  After years of dedicated service and a regular routine it may feel daunting to enter the land of the unknown.  What to do with all that extra time on your hands?

If you want to make the most out of your new-found freedom, here are some great tips to get you into your brand new routine and help you learn a thing or two - whether it's about yourself or the world!
 

Start a blog

Blogging is a great way to record your retirement journey and may motivate you to explore a range of different activities - after all, you need something to write about so why not go on some adventures!  Whether it's a blog about gardening, travelling, cooking or fashion, a well written blog is a great way to document the things you enjoy (and potentially earn some money).

If you'd like to start blogging but you're not sure how to get started, there are some fantastic resources online.  We particularly love Mumsnet's advice as it's clear and very easy to follow.  Start by reading their initial tips and when you're ready to get going, their Wordpress and Blogger step by step guides are fantastic.

Write a book

Similar to blog writing this is a great way to get your thoughts down on paper.  It could be anything from a memoir to a science-fiction novel - whatever you're interested in and think you can commit to writing regularly.  While you may not go down the route of publishing your book it'll be a lovely thing to show your family and friends.

If you'd like to brush up your writing skills before you attempt a book, Faber Academy offer fantastic online writing courses (or evening classes based in London).  Taking classes could be a great chance to meet other writers!
 

Go travelling

Now is your chance to take a gap year of a lifetime!  From cruises to island hopping, going travelling is a great way to enjoy retirement.  Whether it's for a few weeks, a few months or even a year, annual leave is a thing of the past and you have as much time as you like to sight see and experience other cultures!  Try out these 12 places for a life changing adventure - you can even travel to some beautiful locations in the UK for a trip closer to home.

Freshen up your home

You may spend more time at home than usual so what could be better than giving it a once over?  Whether it's clearing out the loft, converting spare rooms into useable spaces (perhaps a painting studio!) or giving your kitchen a cost effective make over, updating your house is a great project.  Plus, if you ever plan on selling your house it may make your property more attractive to potential buyers!
 

Learn a new skill

Whether it's a new language, a trade skill like carpentry, painting, cooking or a sport, there are hundreds of options.  You could even go back to school and get a degree or a masters!  The possibilties to learn something new are endless and it's a constructive way to spend your time.
 

Start a Podcast

Podcasts are on-demand audio discussions and it's a great way to talk about topics you're passionate about.  With the right equipment and some time recording time you could be your very own talk show host!  Starting one is pretty simple and with regular instalments focused on interesting topics you'll soon attract a following.  You're free to discuss almost anything such as your retirement journey, travelling, or even get a group of friends together to discuss social issues!  Simply record yourself discussing something, edit it for clarity and away you go!

If you have any retirement tips of questions, please leave us a comment in the form below!