In the workplace, emotions are often downplayed, frowned upon, or even dismissed. While there's a growing awareness that emotional intelligence is not only beneficial but essential in all aspects of our lives, it's not an arena that everyone is comfortable with, and that's especially true for the baby boomer generation. So what an opportunity this presents to retirees as they exit their careers!

They can shed their hesitation about expressing their emotions as they leave the workplace behind and enter the new and unique retirement arena. They can feel free to tune into and express their emotions.

The obstacle is that this is a skill that only some in the baby boomer generation have acquired or paid attention to. As part of the boomer generation, I know firsthand that we were raised to work hard, be productive, and power through. We are the generation often praised for our "stiff upper lip," but we're learning that this trait, celebrated for so long, could be doing more harm than good, especially as retirement looms on the horizon.

Breaking Down the Stigma

Growing up, many in the baby boomer generation learned to view emotions as unnecessary or even a sign of weakness. But here's the kicker: ignoring our emotional health can negatively impact our well-being. No one wants that, right? Especially when facing the probable shifts that come with aging.

Why Emotions Matter More Now

Why is it so critical to get a handle on this now? Research suggests that suppressing emotions can have adverse health impacts, including increased stress, higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.

 Research has also indicated that older adults who have higher emotional intelligence tend to experience fewer issues with mental health, such as depression and anxiety, and have better social interactions. As baby boomers face the potential of increased physical and emotional challenges as they age, the ability to manage and express emotions healthily is crucial.

Now that we understand the importance of emotional well-being, especially in retirement, what can we do about it?

 Ways You Can Build Emotional Health include:

•   Education and Awareness: Choose an approach that works for you, whether it be reading the works of social scientists, including Brene Brown and Mark Brackett, listening to podcasts such as Mel Brown or Jay Shetty, or accessing apps that focus on emotional health like Calm, Headspace, or Moodfit.

• Encouraging Emotional Expression: Connect with individuals and groups where you feel your emotions can be openly discussed. Foster relationships where vulnerability around difficult emotions is encouraged and supported. 

• Increasing Your Emotional Literacy: Techniques such as journaling, mindfulness, and guided meditation can be beneficial in helping you tap into and gain awareness and acceptance of your emotions. 

• Engaging With a Retirement Life Coach: A coach specializing in retirement can help navigate the emotional transitions and adjustments during this phase, offering personalized guidance to improve emotional awareness and set meaningful retirement goals.

 If you're in the baby boomer generation, learning to embrace and understand your emotions can improve your quality of life and also assist you in navigating the challenges of aging and retirement. By shifting the perception of emotions from a sign of weakness to a source of strength and information, you can realize a healthier and more fulfilling chapter in your life.

 Retirement provides freedom from the confines that may have existed in your workplace and allows you to explore, understand, and express your feelings. So, as you navigate this next chapter, consider exercising this newfound freedom to express emotions. The opportunity is yours! 

Conflux Retirement Coaching is here for you, providing space, guidance, and support as you endeavor to strengthen your emotional well-being in retirement. Schedule a complimentary call so we can tap into how you’re feeling about retirement and what can help you explore, embrace, and express the power of those emotions.