How to fill time when off sick with stress?

[GreenApplesBlueSky]

My DCs are only with me sometimes. I'm off work until after Christmas. It's lonely by myself. I have rallied round friends for coffees, dinners, etc. and I try to put in 2 events a day.

What can I do when I'm by myself? Do you like being alone? Sell it to me, please!

Great idea, OP - you could also browse Coursera/EdX/OpenLearn: you don't pay unless you want the certificate, and though some are time limited, masses aren't

Re Woolly Hugs, I think they accept knitted squares too.

I;m not sure I fully understand your situation. How long are you signed off work for?
If you have recovered enough to need / be able for 2 social engagements every day and can volunteer in a busy gift shop at their most frantic time of year, is it not time to return to work, even in a phased way or part time to start?

If I were your employer I would definitely be

I am self employed and work as a tutor, so work is by term time only. My work places don't mind my going off and doing things - they know I was ill, I ended up in hospital.

Coursera is a great idea, thank you pilipili

Could you get interested in a ‘project’? So, for example picking a particular historical period or figure and spending time doing research? I’m a bit of a sad case, I admit, but I’ve done this in the past and created a scrapbook-type booklet from pictures, information and stuff picked up when doing days out to locations connected to my subject. It can be quite satisfying and it’s really enjoyable boring the tits off people by telling them ‘fascinating facts’ about your subject until they beg you to stop.

OP, I'd go on a stress-busting mission. E.g.

Spend at least an hour aday outdoors in daylight, gardening or walking the dog or a friend's dog.
Daily yoga
Daily meditation
Time set aside to read self help books or watch TED talks an dpodcasts on stress- management techniques.
Set a small challenge each day that is tough or slightly scary but achievable (depends on character but anything from putting a spider outside (they scare me) to striking up a conversation with a stranger or tackling an admin job (booking an appointment for a medical test you are dreading (teeth, smear test etc).
Set up something every day to look forward to in the immediate, short term or long term future. Anything from coffee with a friend to planning a holiday or a trip to the theatre etc.
Make a bucket list that includes some really easy immediate fun things to do (make a Christmas door wreath; bake cookies etc to more challenging ones e.g. get some friends together to do C25K and start crossing some off the list.
Maybe also look into self-referred online free therapy for stress.

These are BRILLIANT ideas, thank you so much. In a way this stress-busting thing is what I seem to be trying to do. I will carry on scheduling activities & getting fresh air. I enjoy my own company more if I have other things in, too. I’m actually having lunch with one of my supervisors next week and saw another one last week. We all think I am ready to go back, but my courses don’t start until after Christmas now. Not long....

You might need a phased return .

I went to the gym most days when I was signed off with stress. It really helped.

Or

Have a good clear out and spring clean for Xmas or paint a bedroom or other room that needs freshening up. Both would be good for the mind as well I think.

Or

Ring around local charities and volunteer your time. I'm sure some of the family related ones will be busier this time of year

If you can manage more than two social interactions a day, do you need to be off?

No I don’t, but the nature of my work is that it’s term time and I took a term off. Nothing until after Christmas now!

Over the years I've had a lot of time off sick. On one particularly long sickness period, i taught myself to crochet using YouTube. I find crochet more forgiving than knitting but I read never a natural knitter. I now crochet large blankets as gifts and am fairly accomplished at it. All you need is one hook and some will to start, oh and perseverance 😁😁 if you do start crochet just remember the instructions can either be in uk terms or American
I suggest you pick one and stick with it, otherwise it can get confusing. All the best. Learn to be kind to yourself and try to do things that take your concentration and slow your thoughts. Adult colouring in books are also linked to improving mindfulness so that's another route. You can buy things online rather than wait to get to a shop. Good luck ♥

Going to art galleries sounds great but I think your work place would take a dim view of you doing voluntary work when you are signed off work.

If your stress is solely related to your workplace, there is nothing wrong with you volunteering at a totally different job if it helps with your recovery. Being off with stress doesn't mean you can't do anything else.