What would you do with a long break from work?

[DukeOfEarlGrey]

Yesterday I finished a job that has been causing me major stress and burnout for the last 5 years. I have a new job lined up but don’t start til October and have been looking forward to this break for months. I have eight weeks off and want to make the most of them! I have some things I need to do (house clear out, a part time course, some life admin) and I want to exercise every day. Apart from that I am single, no kids, money not an issue and I want to enjoy myself! I’ve just spent Covid alone and feel a bit fragile getting back out into the world, plus am a bit shell shocked by the way the job has left me feeling so am looking for ways to relax/rejuvenate. Does anyone want to help me brainstorm??

I’ve been in a similar situation before kids. Joined a wild/sea swimming group on Facebook, went on a stand up paddle board course on the local lake, booked a pottery painting slot and rewatched the whole of the West Wing. Browsed in a bookshop for ages and bought whatever books I wanted. Also ate ludicrous amounts of chocolate whatever you do there’s something about restoring your soul and your energy after burnout-level work. Hope you enjoy your time off!

Watch box sets, sleep, see friends. If your job has left you exhausted, take some time to recuperate

I walked Thames path last year and doing South Downs path this year (a day p/week approx). Blows the cobwebs for sure.

Dreaming of walking SW coast path but in the meantime doing sections of the Kent/Sussex coast, always looking for company especially mid-week.

Look at meetup website for all sorts of activities that could be local to you.

Try to really get into reading, especially if your job was desk based, gets you away from screens.

Get a National Trust membership or English Heritage (or you can get half price entry with M&S Sparks until the end of September) and go out and visit some gardens, historic properties etc.

Go away for a few days, possibly even abroad to a green list place like Malta or Madeira? Maybe wait until the next update day in case there's any rule changes.

These are some great ideas, thank you - though @PottersParties I think I’ve already achieved the chocolate eating one

@YogaLite I love walking but have a terrible sense of direction and am currently unfit. Any advice on where to start other than meet-up site? I think it could be a really restorative hobby!

@BarbaraofSeville I’m definitely interested in some gentle travel but am only just vaccinated so waiting for immunity to kick in and then will see what the Covid situation is... I would have LOVED to lie on a beach for a week but really don’t want to risk quarantine in my time off.

I have a living room /hallway/study to decorate. Id do that. Then follow on to the bedoom.

Id be bored otherwise

With properly marked national trails u don't need ordnance survey maps or sense of direction, maybe just a book guide from the library (Hadrian's wall, South Downs etc).

Local councils have free health walks at different levels of distance/ability, they are mostly mid-week.

Also, mid-week meetup walks are usually attended by smaller groups and are more relaxed and shorter than full on ramblers walks. Definitely look them up, u will meet like minded people too.

There are numerous trails marked across country (eg Monarch's way, Literary trail, Hadrian's wall etc) and u can find maps on line.

There is an app called Footpath that lets u create a circular walk using unnamed footpaths.

I love walking on the coast and pick and choose sections I fancy as and when.

Totally recommend getting out if u can for fresh air, nature, views and sometimes a bit of history and new fitness level.

Perhaps join a popular exercise group class to make some friends, maybe start gentle with yoga and go on a yoga course....
The seaside always rejuvenates me so if you can visit one, or even lakes/wooded areas for a bit of nature then that might help.
Invest in the most comfiest mattress and bedding you can afford and enjoy it!!!

I think you should try and have a trip away somewhere, as even a fortnight away might not be possible easily in future. Even if you have to pay for Covid testing on your return, if I understand correctly two weeks starting in three to four weeks time is possible.

@YogaLite thanks so much, I will investigate these - am a bookworm and love the sound of the literary trail!

@rainbowfairydust I love the emphasis on bed - I already invested in the best mattress and bedding possible and now plan to spend plenty of time using them

@newnortherner111 thank you - I’m not a great planner so hadn’t done that calculation. I’d really like to get away so will look into it more.