Continue to learn and find new challenges: Even if health issues keep you from engaging in the type of challenges you enjoyed in earlier years, studies show that the mental health thrives when we continue to learn and challenge ourselves throughout life. Rather than staying with the same activities or old routines, its important to carve out time to embrace new learning experiences and challenges.

As a part of my series about the 5 Things You Should Do to Optimize Your Wellness After Retirement I had the pleasure of interviewing Clinical Psychologist Dr. Carla Marie Manly. Dr. Manly is a practicing clinical psychologist and aging expert with a passion for helping others optimize their lives. As an author and speaker, Dr. Manly enjoys creating greater awareness and wellness throughout the world. Her latest book, Aging Joyfully, guides readers into finding vast fulfillment in the more mature years of life.

A former investment manager, I returned to the field of psychologymy passionin my 40s. Having spent the first few decades of my adult life raising children, managing a very successful business, and creating financial wellbeing, I wanted the second half of my life to be spent focusing on creating internal successfor myself and others!

One of the most interesting stories is my new-found fame among older and younger populations. Those in their 20s are discovering me as a guiding light for their future, and those in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are also gravitating toward my work as a light for their more mature years. This story is stunning to me for many reasonsnot the least of which is having youthful minds be star-struck as a result of my humble life learnings and offerings.

During my first speaking engagements, the learning curve was rather large. Looking back, I realize that my greatest mistake was in over-preparing for my engagements. I quickly foundafter a few humorous stumbles that were embraced with kindness by the audiencesthat the events were more successful when I kept things simple. By showing up as authentic me, learning and growth were abundant for all.

My parents have passed away, yet I now seemore than everthat they were both truly bright lights in my life. As the ninth child in a family of ten children, my mom and dad (both children of immigrants) had their hands very full. And, although they were imperfect, they taught me the important of integrity, lifelong learning, and hard work. These skillsand so many morehave helped me achieve the success I have today.

Every person has unique needs when it comes to fulfillment and optimal wellness. Yet, we often consciously and unconsciously look to others we admiretheir schedules, routines, and goalswhen creating our own life goals and routines. Unfortunately, what might work beautifully for the man across the table or the woman in the magazine might be too muchor too littlefor our own needs. Thus, I suggest that my colleagues take the time to focus on their own unique needs. It is certainly wise to embrace the wisdom of others, yet there is nothing more profoundly helpful than learning to notice what works right for YOU. And, when you determine what works well for your lifedo more of it. As you determine what is harmful or not beneficial for youdo less of it. This concept is simple yetfor many of usextraordinarily difficult to due given internal and external pressures. Yet, the price we pay by not listening to the inner self is highwhen we get on a treadmill without taking note of what is appropriate for oneself in the here and now, chronic stress and burnout occur. Research shows that chronic stress and burnout take an enormous toll on our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Think outside the box when it comes to creating a fantastic work culture. Dont be afraid to get out of the routine that may have molded your business environment for decades. If you want your work culture to be amazing, you may need to make some profoundly amazing changes. Employees love working in environments that are open, honest, and uplifting. When employees feel valued and honored, theyll give extraordinary gifts through hard work, new ideas, and commitment. Sadly, Ive seen so many employees mired in anger and resentment when employers dont create a team-oriented, open work culture with clear, achievable goals. If in doubt about what to do to create a fantastic work culture, reach out for insights from a specialist who is able to view the issues with objectivity and keen awareness. Life tip: Reach out for insights from others. Give excellent training. Be present to support your employees on an ongoing basis. Your employees are part of your family; appreciate them. Give up micro-managing and give your employees the freedom to soar. Yes!

As a clinician and researcher, I have found that retirement can negatively impact ones health if the retiree has not adequately prepared for the many changes that can come with retirement, such as loss of social connections, changes in daily routine, and a lack of activity and challenge in post-retirement life. All of these issuesand many morecan lead to depression and irritability. As well, if post-retirement life is sedentary, the decline in activity can contribute to a host of debilitating health conditions including cardiac concerns, diabetes, and stroke. In addition, primary relationshipssuch a marriagecan also be negatively impacted due to the changes and stress that often accompanies post-retirement. When a primary relationship is negatively affected, the individuals general well-being is certainly impacted.

My most recent book, Aging Joyfully (Familius, 2019) made a huge impact on my own life. Although nowhere near retirement myself, the research and discovery involved in writing book has had a profound impact me. As the author, I found myself delving deeply into medical research, clients case studies, and the lives of friends to learn more about the upsides and downsides of aging and retirement. Through this intensive process, I learned a great deal about myself, about ageism, and need for us as a society to RE-ENVISION AGING.

If I could start one movement, it would be a movement to TEACH OTHERSchildren and adultsabout the power of integrity and respect. By introducing basic concepts such as these to children AND adultsmany of whom have no idea what real integrity and respect look likewe could change our world for the better. I so believe thisfrom my heart and soul.

I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. (Invictus, Henley). This quote from Invictus reminds me that, no matter how challenging my life might be at times, I am responsible for the outcome of each moment. I am responsible for my thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This truth guides me.

Ariana Huffingtonshe shines and radiates vibrant, beautiful agelessness. Oprah Winfreyshe radiates intensity and commitment to good. Yitzi Weinerbecause you strive to do good in the world; I truly honor that about you. Gavin Newsombecause he has the power in California to institute programs in our schools that could change the future of our state-and the world.

Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmSoiWGJEBasrIV3lrPsXw

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Women In Wellness: Continue to learn and find new challenges With Dr. Carla Marie Manly & Beau Henderson - Thrive Global