Brain turning to gloop on maternity leave. Suggestions?

[Macadamiabeat]

I'm three months into maternity leave. I love spending time with my baby, he's adorable and funny and good natured. But there's only so many times I can sing his favourite songs and make funny faces. I get some time to myself when my partner takes over after he's back from work and I'd like to do something to make sure my brain keeps working.

Any suggestions would be welcome. I've had a look on Udemy for courses but that was overwhelming. I'm planning to find a good book, but ideas from others would also be appreciated.!

What do you do for work? Is there anything linked to that to keep you on the loop or just your interest up?

Maternity leave is when I really started to get into podcasts. I would put my earbuds in and take DDs out in the pram for a walk. I still listen to podcasts now whenever I have time to myself so walking, driving in the car alone, when I'm in the bath etc.

The first one I started was Serial which is a true crime podcast. I also like True Crime Creepers for this too.

The Infinite Monkey Cage for being informative and funny. I learn something as well as have a laugh.

Uncanny if you like ghost stories or tales of the unexplained.

Learn/refresh a language through Duolingo? Bite sized daily lessons and incentives. You can do the bare minimum to keep your streak going or compete with others to rise up the leagues.

@FeedingThem I work on an area of policy in the civil service. I've been keeping broad track of developments, especially with a new government.

@GameOfJones podcasts have also been my saviour. Have loved Serial and Uncanny (although the US ones didn't quite tick the box for me) since the beginning but I think I need to expand my interests and find something new.

@squashyhat that's a good idea, I might try brushing up on my French! Although, that owl is so annoying.

Thanks all!

I tried some programming on the Sololearn app, it was quite fun. Also played a bit of chess on a chess app, and read a lot on a Kindle.

And of course Duolingo but on silent so as not to wake the baby!