Little things that make you feel good

[jingleballing]

For the past 11 years, I've had babies (x3), moved house (x4) and sadly lost 3 close family members who I was extremely close to . It's been a rough ride. Life seldom works out the way we plan it and it's not been an easy decade to say the least.

We are however, now financially comfortable and living in our 'forever home', and my youngest dc has started at school full time and I'm not/don't need to work.

However it seems I've forgotten how to not only enjoy myself but also how to look after myself! After I drop the dc off at school, I slump on the sofa in an exhausted heap, cup of tea in hand. Then I summon the energy to go and make the beds and vacuum , any laundry etc that needs doing, have a shower and by then it's midday. I could then faff around in the house doing more cleaning or do some cooking and by then it's time to pick up the dc.

I used to read a lot but I can't seem to concentrate on anything for too long, I've ordered several new books but haven't got very far. I meet friends sometimes for a coffee/shopping trip.

Besides the fact that I need a completely new routine (probably a whole other thread) I really want to start doing some self care. Even if it's 30 minutes a day, I need it to be meaningful and effective.

So my question is, in what small ways do you look after yourself or treat yourself or make yourself feel good ? What do you do that lifts your spirits ? Could be in the house or out of the house but bearing in mind the current crisis and the fact that we are in tier 3 over here! There's only so many bubble baths I can take

m.youtube.com/watch?v=JpWa4LtKe4c

For anyone interested. This is yoga with Adrienne's new 30 day programme which starts jan 1st, it's all through YouTube (so free) but they send a daily email for the 30 days.

I could’ve written your thread word for word. Staying in the house with the same routine can get you down. Your duty has temporarily finished when the kids go to school and you’re waiting for them to come home to be useful again. Nature is a good pick me up, could you go for a walk. During lockdown, I left the house with DH as he drove to work in the morning. He’d drop me a few miles away on the canal or bike track and I’d walk home. It would take an hour, taking in all the scenery and being lost in thought. It made such a difference to my well being. I’d get in and have a lovely hot cup of tea before starting my day.
Could you do similar? Obviously it depends where you live but if you do the school drop off, what about going for a walk after? Even if its just the park. It will put you in a good state of mind. Just try little things at first and see where it leads. It’ll give you more energy and enthusiasm to start other things

@CatsMother66 that's actually very true, it is a temporary feeling of 'ok what shall I do with myself now??'. Even if I go to the shops I'll open the back doors of the car by default, or I'll keep thinking every 'mummy' called out in the shops is one of mine ! I've considered having another one because I go through

Oops! Posted too soon!

I've considered having another one because I go through intense feelings of broodiness but I'm 36 years old and have never wanted to be an older mum. I feel like my time is up with having another now.

It’s all relative. To me 36 is not old! I had my DS just before my 42nd birthday. He’s the best thing that’s happened to me and he keeps me young. I have never felt out of place, in fact most of his class mates had older parents too. Being older gives me the confidence to be as silly as I want with him and not care what anyone thinks.
If you want another, go for it.