Transition is a psychological process that people go through as they come to terms with new situations, i.e. as they come to terms with a change, to support a smooth transition into retirement, it may be helpful to consider the change cycle (below), to recognise the possible stages you may experience within your transition into retirement and how to effectively manage the change.

Stage 1: Approaching Retirement
It’s very easy to become attached to the way things are, and any transition can initially be a time of fear, confusion and anxiety.
To help manage this stage in your transition:
Create appropriate support systems
Get the right information
Set short-term goals
Make plans to mark your retirement
Stage 2: Weeks Before Retirement
It is understandable to be worried and unclear about the change and to maybe feel sad about leaving for retirement. To help manage this stage in your transition:
Draw from your support systems
Define what is over and what isn't
Look for the positives
Take each day at a time (it takes time to adapt)
Mark your retirement appropriately
Stage 3: Exploring Retirement
Once retired, those early weeks may be spent adjusting to the change but will also be your opportunity to discover how retirement can work for you. This will come from experimentation: activities; socialising; travelling, etc.
To help manage this stage in your transition:
Take each day at a time (it takes time to adapt)
Draw from your support systems
Be encouraged to try new activities
Build momentum with "quick wins"
Celebrate success
Stage 4: Retirement: New Beginnings
With time, you will begin to adapt to the change and become more confident in your retirement.