Single parents "day off": what do you do?

[PinkSkiesAtNight]

I divorced a year ago, but what with lock down and other big life stuff, it has taken a while to get our contact time/routine sorted out. We typically get 1 day each at the weekend with DS. I am really struggling with what to do with myself. I am torn between relaxing completely and making the most of every minute.

Physical exercise has become almost therapy for me over this year. Every other weekend, I have started hiking with another single mum. I have had an online personal trainer, so I do my workout every morning too.

Today, I woke up at 6, as per internal clock wasted time on MN untik 8.45, did my exercise, then spent an hour practicing my moves for my other post quarantine new activity. I started to watch a Christmas film, but had a bit of a nap on the sofa. And now I'm in a bit of a slump.

I want to go for a walk, but by myself... Meh. And I can't decide where to go. I'd probably have to drive somewhere.

I could go for a run, but I already showered after my exercise.

I could clean the house but it isn't TOO bad, so meh....

I have lots of things to sort out at home, but again... Meh

I could phone a friend, (not UK and it's lovely and sunny), but most are busy and again, I'm feeling Meh...

How do you, as a single parent, organise your free time when you don't have kids? If I don't have something planned, I end up doing pretty much nothing and feeling like I've wasted it. Help please!

I also tend to eat way too much when I am on my own, which I am working on. I start super healthy in the mornings, but I've already eaten the box of mince pies my mum sent me today so I really need to have my time organised as that helps me not snaffle the whole house full of food!

Not a single mum but it sounds like you need to give yourself permission to relax! Why not decide on a few tasks then choose what to do to relax for rest of the time

I get that feeling sometimes but don't feel bad if you do end up doing nothing, it's fine to just chill out. I'm a student so usually work on assignments when DS is away.
Any Christmas wrapping to do? Or shopping?
You could make a nice dinner, something you wouldn't normally eat with your DS. Or some baking.

When I was a single parent, it was every other weekend so I would do one day of activities and socialising and then the other day a slow day, maybe meet my mum for a coffee then read a book in the bath.

Could you alternate each week? It probably depends what sort of person you are, some people get no joy from doing nothing but as a single parent, always having to be ‘on’ during the week and working too I found having a slow day really benefitted me.

Perhaps you would just feel better having a plan, even if that is to relax for a few hours or see a friend for a casual coffee.

Also remember it’s difficult times now. Hopefully in 6 months there will be more options available for you to entertain yourself with.

Thanks for your replies. I did think about adding parents who get a day off too! But yes, this goes for anyone who has the odd day of free time.
I think I do need to have a plan, with times in, even if it is, 2 hrs 'doing nothing' and relaxing. Otherwise I end up doing that all day and procrastinating on everything else. I dither about all over the place. When actually, I can think of so many things I could do. I just can't make myself do them if they aren't set into my day, if that makes sense.

I love a slow day, it's finding the balance that's hard. Maybe I could do a busy morning with everything planned in advance, then relax in the afternoon.

@DDIJ go for the walk!

Yes, dedicated 4 hours in the morning for house work / exercise and allow yourself to do nothing for the rest if the day.

Do you also get the night off ?

I usually get Saturday afternoon to Sunday early evening. So DS will be back around 6/7 for bedtime. I went out for a drink for the first time in months last night. If I plan my time in advance, I do loads. We are still trying to work out contact time that works for all of us, which causes issues. EX H is self-employed, and occasionally takes extra work on at the weekends, which I have always just accepted, but now I am putting my foot down a bit, which he doesn't like, but that is a whole other thread.

I have, since starting this thread, got my arse in gear enough to repaint a patch on the kitchen wall and sort out a cupboard full of random shit. So I am winning for now. Maybe it's time for a bit more of a relax now

Laze around trumps 'getting on with stuff'. I can get on with stuff when my kids are around. But being able to read a book for a couple hours without the constant 'mummy mummy mummy' interruption is great. Mind you I'm a widow so never had days off, and had to wait until my kids were older to enjoy one!