9 Ways Work-At-Home Seniors Can Master Work-Life Balance

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You're retired, but maybe you still want to keep a hand in your old business. Or maybe you love consulting, or you want some extra cash, or you don't like having too much idle time on your hands. No matter the reason, working from home can be a great way for retirees to earn an income without being subject to the daily commute and grind of a traditional 9-to-5.

Remote work can be highly rewarding and even fun. Here are some ways to keep your work-life balance while working from home in retirement.

1. Look for a flexible schedule

One of the great benefits of retiring is being able to do what you want, when you want. Don't lose that completely by ending up with a rigid work schedule. Sure, you'll need to be there for your new employers or clients some of the time, but make sure you have the flexibility to take time off for the things that matter most to you.

2. Start small

It may be tempting to jump right into a new job. However, working from home is different from going to work at a company. If you've never done it before, it can be overwhelming at first to be self-directed and spend so much time alone.

If you think you want to work from home, start by taking on a project or two, or working a few hours a week. If you like it and can still do all of the other things that you want to do with your retirement, you can look for a more permanent gig.

3. Make time for family

Many retirees make the jump into retirement at least in part so they can spend more time with their families. If this is you, ensure that your new job doesn't interrupt this time. Even if you work from home, it's important to put child care obligations or family days on the calendar early, and make sure your new employer knows you won't be available at those times. You can keep your family first even if you're going back to work. (See also: 9 Signs Your Work-Life Balance Is Off)

4. Unplug yourself

Whether you're old or young, it's easy to get sucked into the internet. You may find yourself surfing Facebook for pictures of your grandchildren, looking up decorating ideas on Pinterest, or getting lost in a sea of YouTube videos.

Time spent online is often little more than a distraction. Ultimately, it isn't very satisfying, and it often takes you away from the things you really want or need to be doing. Limit your time online, especially when you're away from work, so you can really engage with the people and the experiences around you. If you're glued to your desk all day, you probably won't be enjoying your retirement to its fullest.

5. Plan vacations ahead of time

Some retirees enter retirement with the intention to travel. You can still do this while working from home. Make sure you get your vacations on the calendar early so your employer knows when you won't be available. This helps ensure that you'll have the free time you need to fully embrace your travel, even if you have to get right back to work when you get home.

6. Exercise

Exercise makes us feel better. It gets the blood flowing and helps boost our mood. Both of these will go far toward helping you feel like your life is in balance. When you make time for exercise, you're making time for yourself. You're also prioritizing your health, as exercise can help you live longer and avoid or minimize many of the physical problems that plague people in retirement. (See also: 7 Smart Ways to Invest in Your Health)

7. Meditate

Make time to meditate. Clear your head. If you don't like meditation, get a journal and spend a few minutes every day writing down your thoughts. Giving yourself this space helps you remember what's important to you, and that your stated priorities are actually prioritized in your real life. It also gives you the mental clarity to fully engage with work when you're working, and with other people and things when you're outside of work. (See also: 6 Meditation Alternatives for People With Busy Minds)

8. Walk every hour

When you're on the clock, make sure you stay moving. Get up every hour and take a short walk, even if it's just down the hall and back. This not only fights the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, but it also helps you stay focused.

9. Schedule time to give back

If one of your retirement goals was to give back to the community, rest assured that you can still do that while you're working from home. Make volunteering a priority by scheduling it in your calendar, getting the time off or clearing your client list for the day, and helping out however and wherever you like. Giving back will offer a sense of fulfillment, and it will also remind you of the things that are truly important. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)

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