Needing some me-time but what to do on a budget and how to switch off?

[comealongdobbeh]

DH gets his me-time at the gym. Several times a week. I’ve realised the only me-time I get is if I stay up after everyone has gone to bed. This usually involves watching TV but I have to sacrifice sleep time to do it and will probably also
end up doing some ironing or something. Gym is not for me.

DH has no problem with me taking time for myself. But where? What to do?

I don’t want to spend (much) money. For me, what would
make it valuable it being able to switch my mind off from kids/husband/home/life etc. In the evenings at home I can do this as kids are fast asleep, chores mostly all done etc.

I tried going for a massage / haircut etc but I just end up thinking about all the things I need to do / what the kids need / what remains for the week.

How do I make myself switch off and actually be able to
enjoy my own company?

Not sure if it's what you have in mind but, this week I've been trying to complete a 1000 piece jigsaw. Not done one for years but I've found it completely absorbing.

Online mindfulness? Pick a session half an hour long or something. You tube have sessions, or lots places eg mind (?) do sessions at set times - so you have to do it or miss it.

Or something at a set time out the house and away from chores! A friend of mine was talking about Nordic walking the other day - she finds it great exercise and has made friends there.

Thank you, I am trying to read more etc but I’d also
like to try and get out of the house by myself and actually go somewhere. Just don’t know where..!

I like going to the cinema solo. 5pm - 6pm showing preferably to miss
kids dinner and bedtime but home at a reasonable hour to get a good night’s sleep…

I also quite like reading a book in a pub beer garden with a pint.

I go for a long walk and listen to a audiobook or podcast. I use bone conducting headphones so I can still hear my surroundings. I love it. It completely switches me off, there is no quest for self improvement, it is just a complete escape. Sometimes I'll walk for miles, sometimes just found the block a couple of times.

Maybe create a target for yourself. I read of people visiting every football ground in the country or even every train station. May not need to be as ambitious as that but maybe make a list places you have some interest in and work out how to visit them. Or get an Ancestry account and then start to visit some of the places your ancestors grew up in.

I read. Especially effective if done outside of the house! I quite like an hour in a coffee shop with a book. Sometimes I even leave for the school run half an hour early just so I can sit in the car for a bit to read!

My first thought was yoga? It would focus your mind, you’d be able to join a weekly class, it would be good for your body and practicing mindfulness.

Book club/reading group!

The Women's Institute. Some meet during the day, some meet in the evening so there would probably be something to suit you. I don't believe it is all older ladies, if that is putting you off!
Volunteering. Something like helping at a food bank, in a charity shop, at an animal rescue centre, Home Start home visitor, whatever suits you.
As others have said, go and sit with a drink and a book in your local coffee shop/garden centre/pub.
If you have a garden, start to grow your own fruit and veg. Or cultivate a kitchen window sill herb garden.
Go to a yoga or pilates class.
If you have a bike, ride it! Or just go for a walk.

Thanks all. I did used to go to a weekly Zumba class and found this was perfect. I stopped because of money but it was perfect for getting me moving and also switching my brain off for an hour. Maybe it’s time to return… need to do some budgeting!

I like the idea of going to a coffee shop and reading too. I get lost in a book easily so I think I might try this.

Cinema alone..? That’s an aim!

One hour walk in nature: it’s proven to be good for your mental health.

What do you have nearby OP. I've been making an effort to go for longer walks and I've started bird watching. Nothing hard core but I use the Merlin app which identifies bird calls round about you and it's nice to be able to pick them out and spot them.

I find focusing on what I can hear helps stop my brain from thinking too much about general life stress.

Sometimes incorporate a visit to a nice coffee shop en route, take a book if you like!

Go for a walk, take a book and find a bench

Any interests? Look at online lectures you can pull up on demand.

Are you creative? Try any new classes.