When we think of early retirement, we often picture ourselves enjoying a well-deserved break from the daily grind. But health – both physical and mental - is a concern, isn't it, for any retiree? After all, who wants to retire early only to spend the free time struggling with poor health?

So here are the 10 things you can start doing now to make yourself healthier and better prepared for early retirement. 

1. Diet

A nutritious diet can help us ward off chronic diseases and keep us feeling energized long into our golden years. It's all common sense, but I'll tell you anyway;

1. Healthy Food - Focus on consuming whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. 
2. Avoid Junk - Burgers, chips, pizzas and processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats – they can lead to inflammation and other health issues down the line.
3. Veganism - Incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet is a great way to boost your health while also helping the environment. Consider trying Meatless Mondays or swapping out meat for plant-based alternatives one or two days per week.
4. Portion Sizes – overeating can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of numerous health problems in the future. 

Adopt these simple dietary changes now, you'll set yourself up for better health in early retirement and beyond.

2. Exercise

Exercise not only does it keep your body fit and healthy, but it also has a positive impact on your mental health.

• Physical - Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease. It also promotes good bone density which minimizes the risk of fractures later in life.
• Mental - Regular exercise improves brain function by promoting blood flow to the brain resulting in better cognitive performance and memory retention. Exercise boosts endorphins - hormones that promote feelings of happiness - reducing depression, anxiety and stress levels.
• Social Aspects - Exercise gives you a great opportunity to socialize with others through group activities like yoga, dance classes or running clubs. Joining these activities not only motivates you to stay active but makes exercising an enjoyable experience!

No doubt, you cannot NOT do exercise regularly. Make yourself healthier for early retirement by improving cardiovascular health, strengthening bones while providing numerous mental benefits!

3. Sleep

Sleep allows your body to repair tissues, consolidate memories, regulate hormones, and recharge for the day ahead.

To ensure quality sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized in the morning, you should;

1. Develop a regular bedtime routine that helps signal to your brain when it's time to wind down. This could involve winding down with calming activities such as reading or taking a warm bath before bed.
2. Create an optimal sleeping environment by keeping distractions such as electronics out of the bedroom and investing in comfortable bedding that supports proper spinal alignment.
3. Avoiding caffeine late in the day and limiting alcohol consumption can also help promote better sleep. If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders, speak with your doctor about potential solutions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication options.

Prioritize healthy sleep habits now, and you'll set yourself up for greater success both physically and cognitively during retirement.

4. Stress Management

Stress is a natural part of life, but it can also be detrimental to our health. Manage stress by allowing you to focus on what's happening right now instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

• Start with the breath: One of the simplest ways to begin practicing mindfulness is by focusing on your breath. Take a few deep breaths, and then allow your breath to settle into its natural rhythm. Focus your attention on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body, and try to keep your mind from wandering.
• Notice your thoughts: As you focus on your breath, thoughts will inevitably arise. Instead of getting caught up in your thoughts, simply observe them without judgment. Imagine your thoughts as clouds passing through the sky, and allow them to drift away.
• Pay attention to your surroundings: Use your senses to notice what is happening around you. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel? Try to engage all of your senses in the present moment, without labeling or judging your experiences.
• Practice non-judgment: Mindfulness involves accepting your experiences without judgment or attachment. If you notice yourself judging your thoughts or experiences, simply acknowledge the judgment and return your attention to your breath.
• Practice regularly: Like any skill, mindfulness takes practice. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend in mindfulness meditation.

Of course, none of this is a quick fix for stress and anxiety. These are ways of being in the world that takes time and practice to cultivate. But with consistent practice, mindfulness can help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and live a more fulfilling life.

5. Relationships

Maintaining a strong relationship and a healthy sex life plays a big role in enjoying retirement with your partner. Here's why it matters:

• Stress Reduction: Regular intimacy reduces stress and boosts your mood, making retirement more enjoyable for both partners.
• Emotional Connection: Physical closeness fosters a deeper emotional bond, keeping the relationship strong and fulfilling.
• Health Benefits: An active sex life has numerous health advantages, including improved heart health and lower blood pressure.
• Happiness: Couples who maintain intimacy and a strong partnership report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction in retirement.
• Communication: A good relationship and regular sexual activity encourage open communication, helping couples navigate retirement's challenges together.

In short, focusing on both the emotional and physical aspects of your relationship can make retirement a more joyful and contented phase of life.

Make an effort to work together with your loved one. But of course, no relationship is perfect – conflicts will happen. But you learn how to resolve issues together and strengthen bonds, don't you?

6. Finances

What are finances to do with health?

Well, finances are a crucial aspect of early retirement, as they will determine your lifestyle and what you can afford. So obviously it will affect your mental health, which is always linked to physical health issues too.

1. Create a budget that reflects your current income and expenses. This will allow you to identify areas where you can cut back on unnecessary spending.
2. Debt management - If you have any outstanding debts, it's essential to prioritize paying them off before retiring, as they may become harder to manage without a regular income.
3. Save - start saving for retirement early on. Consider opening a tax-advantaged retirement account like an IRA or 401(k) and contributing regularly.
4. Risks associated with investments - if you are into investments, diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes can help mitigate risk while still allowing for growth over time.

Needless to say, there are financial advisors who specialize in retirement planning. They can help you create a personalized plan that takes into account your goals and resources, ensuring that you're set up for long-term financial stability during early retirement.

7. Social Connections

Having social connections with others who share similar interests and values can provide ongoing support, motivation, and inspiration throughout the retirement years.

1. Volunteer for organizations that align with your passions. Whether it's helping at a food bank or participating in charity races, giving back not only benefits those in need but also enhances one's sense of purpose and fulfillment.
2. Join clubs centered around hobbies or activities you enjoy. This could be anything from book clubs to gardening clubs to sports teams. Engaging in regular social interactions through shared interests promotes mental stimulation while reducing isolation and depression often associated with retired life.
3. Attend workshops - it's an opportunity to meet new people while learning new skills. Many communities offer adult education courses on topics ranging from cooking to painting to technology.

Building strong relationships within a community not only supports healthier aging but also fosters a sense of belonging during the exciting journey toward early retirement.

8. Hobbies

Hobbies help reduce the risk of depression, increase cognitive functioning and improve overall well-being. 

If you don't think you have a hobby, then find something that you truly love. It could be anything from painting to playing sports, cooking to gardening or even learning a new language. It'll be god if it's something that challenges your mind and body.

Having hobbies also gives you a sense of purpose outside work life, which is crucial for maintaining balance in your life. It allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion as yourself and helps build social connections.

Your new hobbies - allowing you to learn new skills every step of the way - will encourage personal growth. You'll gain confidence in yourself while expanding your knowledge base.

9. Faith/Spirituality

Your faith or spirituality give you a sense of purpose, meaning, and hope, especially during difficult times. For a lot of people, faith can also be a source of comfort and strength.

Practicing one's faith or engaging in spiritual practices has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety. This is because it allows individuals to focus on something greater than themselves and provides them with a sense of inner peace.

For others, spirituality may not necessarily be tied to organized religion but rather finding personal belief systems that work for them. In this way, spirituality offers an opportunity for self-discovery, introspection, and growth.

Incorporating faith or spirituality into daily life doesn't have to involve elaborate rituals or hours spent meditating. Simple acts like taking time for quiet reflection each day or attending religious services on occasion can help foster a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us.

Ultimately, whether one chooses to practice their faith through traditional religious means or finds their own path towards spiritual fulfillment - incorporating these practices into daily life has numerous benefits that contribute positively towards overall health and well-being.

10. Lifelong Learning

As we approach our golden years, it's important to remember that retirement doesn't mean the end of our growth and development. In fact, it's quite the opposite - retirement presents a fantastic opportunity for lifelong learning. Whether you decide to take up a new hobby or skill, enroll in adult education classes or simply make time for reading and exploring new topics, continuing to learn can keep our minds sharp and engaged well into old age.

• A new language: Learning a new language can be a fun and rewarding challenge. It can also be useful if you plan to travel or if you have friends or family who speak a different language.
• Musical instrument: Learning to play a musical instrument can be a great way to express your creativity and relax. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you master new skills.
• Cooking: Cooking is a practical skill that can be both enjoyable and beneficial. You can learn to cook new cuisines, experiment with healthy recipes, or take a baking class to learn new techniques.
• Technology: Keeping up with technology can be helpful for staying connected with friends and family, as well as for managing your finances and staying organized. Consider taking a computer class or learning about social media.
• Photography: Photography is a creative hobby that can help you capture and preserve memories. You can take classes to learn about lighting, composition, and editing.
• Gardening: Gardening is a great way to stay active and spend time outdoors. You can learn about different plants and how to care for them, or even start a vegetable garden to grow your own produce.
• History or Art: Learning about history or art can be an enriching experience. You can take classes or join a book club to learn about different time periods or artistic movements.

Retirement is a time to pursue your interests and passions. Choose something that you enjoy and that will bring you fulfillment and joy.

Ten things that will help you live a healthier life leading up to early retirement. Of course, they require some effort and dedication on your part, the payoff is undeniable - improved physical health, mental well-being and financial stability are all within reach if we're willing to put in the work. Focus on our healths first, and we'll be better equipped to enjoy all that early retirement has to offer later on down the line.