What do you do in the evenings?

[Christmaspudd1ng]

DC are slightly older now (6 and 3) so at the stage where it should be less all consuming and I feel like I should be able to do something productive once they are in bed but I just... can't.

After a day at work and the bedtime routine, they're usually asleep by about 8.

Then I'll have dinner and wash up, perhaps fold a bit of laundry and then i feel done! So I just watch something mind numbing for an hour or 2.

Is this normal?

I feel like I should have more energy, especially as I work from home. I do an exercise class once a week which feels like a massive challenge, but the other 6 days I'm just lazy. I can't even watch anything that isn't reality TV as I feel like I can't concentrate.

How can I find some motivation?

This time of year, I find it even more difficult to feel energised after 4pm when its dark. I also WFH, but don't have children. In the afternoon/evenings this time of year I generally:
-walk the dog or play in the garden with her
-Crochet rugs I donate to charity
-I'm a spotter on mammal web. Its a free, online site, where you see a photo or short video, and identify the animal you see. It helps to classify animals for various conservation activities.
-Go to youtube and do some yoga stretches

90% of the time though, I watch TV and go down a rabbit hole of mumsnet threads though! 😬

I think this is normal with a young family. Mine are 5 and 8 now and I feel like I'm just getting some energy back (although peri menopause is kicking my arse).

I do a sport hobby twice a week and other nights I have a long bath and read and tv with hubby/sit and chat.

I find I have much more energy in the day than evening and have just joined a gym and visit in the daytime.