No idea how to spend day off - tired mum

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I've got a rare day off tomoro but haven't a clue what to do. It sounds silly but I'm so in-used to having any time to myself. I'm a mum to a toddler and have been working overtime on a busy deadline thing at work all across the weekends, evenings etc and when DD at nursery part-time and during all her naps. I have also had Covid and taken ages to recover, plus sprained my wrist, and been trying to keep on top of housework etc.

I've unusually been offered time off in leiu tomorrow and DD will be at nursery all day. Husband says I should take it and have a full day off for a change after all the hard work I've done.

I've honestly not had time to myself since before the summer and my life is generally very hectic. What would you do with a day off if you were me??

I'm worried I'll waste it by doing housework, dying my roots, painting my nails and other things I've let slide! I don't want to feel I've wasted it slobbing round. On the other hand I don't want to put too much pressure on myself for this one day to reinvigorate me.

What would you do if you were me? I live in London so could go to a gallery or something but I'm just not sure!

Spend the morning doing something fun like a gallery, breakfast out or a treat. Then after lunch pick a film, do your self care bits like hair, nails etc and rest. It's never a waste if it makes you feel better and it sounds like you could do with a rest

What do you actually want to do? No day is a waste if you enjoy it.

If I was shattered I'd probably have a lie in, eat lovely snacks, watch a film/read a book.

If I had energy I'd go for a hike or wander round a gallery, have a nice lunch out.

Actually I'd probably go for a spa day if I was you right now OP. That's what I'd like to do.

If this is the beginning of having more time, I'd go somewhere where the sun is shining and you can hear the birds (avoiding where everyone's queuing with flowers for the queen) for a stroll, book and flask of tea or find a cafe. I'd then come home and have a nap. Then I would do some of the hair, nails etc if I had time. If not, surely DH can look after lo while you do.

I would absolutely 100% book a massage/facial then go for tea in a nice cafe. I can recommend with absolute surety because that’s what I’ve booked for my next day off, so there’s a light at the end of the tunnel (things are about to get busy at work).

Go do something in the morning - swim or gallery. Then grab a sandwich & head home for Netflix & a nap.

I would get all my favourite snacks and watch load of netflix and nothing else

It's so easy to forget what you even like to do when you have young children, life is so all consuming!

I ended up writing lists of what I liked so I could then actually do some of them, either on a day off or the weekend.

Sometimes the ideas pop into my head and then get squashed out by the ongoing mental to do list..so I need to make lists.

Personally I'd go for a lovely breakfast or lunch, so I didn't have to cook. Look round some shops I like in peace, especially on a weekday. I took myself off to the King's Road yesterday and did exactly that and it was lovely! Lunch in John Lewis, pottered around the shops, bought a cheap top in zara.

I'd do not much at all, watch shot on tv, walk the dog and possibly go for a run. I'd a nap in at lunchtime too.

*shit on tv, as long as you have streaming and can get away from the rolling queen news

Thanks! I think a combination of things is a good idea - getting out of the flat in the morning and also having time to chill. I'm getting quite excited now

I'd wander round the shops on my own, then go home and watch TV or read while eating a nice lunch from M&S and then have a nap.

100% this. Also a toddler mum here...