Don’t know what to do with myself.

[Whereisme]

I have 3 boys (15, 13 and 13) and a lovely husband. I work four days a week. I realise how lucky I am, but I don’t know what to do in my spare time. I feel like I have lost myself and am really boring! Still busy with the boys - a lot of football training and matches, but have more time to myself than I used to and have no idea how to occupy my time. The boys are happy to do things, but also quite happy entertaining themselves. I am really struggling. I know there are always jobs to be done around the house, but I want to do something for me - just not sure what that is anymore!

Can I recommend the book 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron?
It's well known and easily googled.
Good luck 😊

Do you have any hobbies or something you quite fancy taking up?

I love to read, paint and craft.

You could have a look at adult education near you, they often have nice short courses

Just to add the artist's way is full of suggestions of ways to help unblock creativity. Morning pages is one, which is writing a stream of consciousness daily, and weekly artist's dates which is just doing something alone. Can be anything - many suggestions in the book and online. Like this: 101 artist's date ideas

Do you like exercising?

running whilst training is on plus your free time.

are you rural? You could go mountain walking, hiking.

I'm absolutely baffled. I don't work and have two DC ...12 and 14. When they're at school, I'm constantly doing stuff, cooking, laundry, shopping, housework. You only have one extra day off bar the weekend and three kids... surely you are rushed off your feet?

Walking with a podcast?
Yoga?

Thank you for the suggestions. Will Google that book. I would love to do craft activities, but am absolutely terrible at it!

I think part of the problem is that I have spent so long looking after the kids that I’m not used to doing things for myself.

I’ve thought about Yoga. Would ideally like to do it at home. Any recommendations for online instructors? Did 30 days of Yoga with Adrianne a few years ago and enjoyed that.

I am busy with the kids and life stuff, but want to have some interests of my own. And my house could always be tidier!

Yes I do understand...just saying I don't think your life sounds particularly easy...three teens and four days a week at work sounds full on to me!

Thanks, that’s really interesting. My life is quite full on, but I guess I always feel like I should be doing more. My parents were always doing stuff so I feel guilty if I’m not busy. And I do want to do sone things for me as well.

I love that list! Thanks for posting it.
I don't feel motivated right now, but I'm going to keep it handy for when I find my mojo again.

Comedy cook

maybe the op is more efficient than you than running a home and family?

Must be

I felt a bit like you a while back - only work four days a week (and don't want to increase) but now DC older teens and all the running around after them has stopped. I've taken up learning the Piano (not completely form scratch, as I did have lessons as a child but rarely practised and didn't get far then) and music theory/history/knowledge in general - I'm really enjoying the challenge. Easy to fit in around the household tasks that still need doing when at home.