A bit of fun

[JamieFrasersBigSwingingKilt]

I need some fun in my life. Can you help with ideas?

I'm a 52 year old woman with a full time job, three kids (primary and secondar-aged), a husband, money worries (we're over-stretched) and I'm recovering from surgery that I had in the beginning of Jan.

All I do in my spare time is sit on the sofa watching box sets and eating. I think the food is giving me the only real pleasure and enjoyment I can get at the moment but I don't want to pile on the weight. I can't start exercising yet (another month or so to go) but I am mobile and up and about and can drive.

I need enjoyment from other sources that aren't food or TV show related but have lost my 'fun mojo'. Is there even such a thing?! I'd be grateful for low cost suggestions for me to pursue by myself, with DH and for all of us as a family please. I'd really like to shake things up and get out of the rut we're all in. West and central London are all accessible if that helps.

Oh I totally get that, when food is the only thing you really enjoy. Not sure if any of these things are your style but here are some ideas.

Inside, I'm thinking you need things that use your hands so you don't eat. You can do any of this stuff in front of the TV or with an audiobook (you need Audible in your life if you don't have it already). My suggestions are:
-- Big jigsaw puzzle (cheap from Vinted, charity shop or free to borrow from some libraries).
-- Go to The Works or The Range and find a fun craft kit eg cross stitch, crochet, colouring book or watercolours, embroidery or decoupage and get stuck into a mini project. They have TONS of ideas. Get extra if it's something your kids will enjoy and they can join you. Knitting is a great idea for occupying your hands whilst watching a boxset. Even just a nice sketchpad and a pack of Sharpies or fineliners and get doodling! For absolute zero cost you will already have pencils and paper at home. Copy a simple picture from online or learn fun cursive lettering
-- Make a photobook online or do some photo collages using a free app on your phone.

For outside and/or with family:
-- Board games day. Keep tracks of who wins each and have a prize at the end for most points
-- Ice skating (not free!)
-- Charity shop challenge - each get a fiver to find the worst / best item
-- Each take it in turns to plan a fun trip out to somewhere free? Museum, park, people watching, walk, rollerblading / bike ride, picnic
-- See if you can each find 10-20 things to get rid of and do a carboot sale one Sunday morning

Oh there are some good suggestions here! Thank you @ChristmasCalamity!

parkrun - you can volunteer if you’re not up to running or walking 5k

You are welcome! I hope you find some ideas. Let us know how you get on ☺️

Thanks for the idea @MiddleAgedDread but that's not my scene at all. Really appreciate you posting though.