What should I do this afternoon - alone?

[xenophilius]

Living with my mum at the moment; complex situation as she has major mental health difficulties and trying to care for her over the last 20+ years has brought on similar in me and sort of created a codependency ... I’m 28 and sitting in her living room feeling a bit empty and bored .

Anyway ... she has been suggested to try and do more things alone without me and so she’s nipped into town - alone - and I’m sat here doing nothing . I’m at a loss of what I could, or should do . I haven’t got any hobbies really - I like scrapbooking and acrylic painting ... and I like reading sometimes - have an English degree . I’ve got Netflix as well . I’m dyspraxic so I’m not too hot on stuff like knitting or embroidery . Cooking also a bit hit and miss although I make a bloody good curry and chilli .

What can I do ? Stupid anxiety is preventing me from going out for a walk or anything useful like that but would love if there’s something I could do and enjoy that’s just for me .

Whenever I get a break from the kids I love watching Netflix with a few snacks or reading a book in bed and usually end up having a nap. But I try and get all my housework out the way first or I can't relax.

Have a bath and watch crap telly no one else wants to watch. Lounge about in comfy clothes and have a glass of wine if you drink.

Youre bound to feel a bit at a loose end, if you're not used to being alone. Dont worry if you can't settle; it's a skill to practise, you dont have to be perfect immediately.

How about picking a podcast from BBC Sounds (a comedy show, a drama, a documentary, a book adaptation - try R4 or 4Extra) whilst you revisit your scrapbooks and plan your next project?

I'm not a sewer or knitter but i can do cross stitch (and it goes well with listening to the radio).

If you can afford a subscription to Ancestry or Find My Past, then family history research can be addictive if you're that way inclined. It's amazing what you can find out from your sofa!

If you were my friend I would advise you to sign up to a group thing, class, walking group, meet up group, something like that.