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Tips for resting and recuperating

11 replies

Tangerinesattack · 07/11/2025 08:41

I have been signed off work for the next fortnight to recuperate from an health issue. But I've realised I don't really know how to rest (probably what caused the health issues to start with!). I'm worried I'll either get embroiled in chores or I'll waste it doom scrolling and I won't get the absolutely needed benefit of this time. So how would you approach this? Make up a timetable of gently restorative activities - and if so, like what? Or just go with the flow? Thanks.

OP posts:
JudgeBread · 07/11/2025 12:47

Is there anything you've been really dying to do but never feel like you have enough time around work or chores? A book series you've always wanted to read or a craft you've always wanted to try, even a show you want to watch that has too many series.

Wafffly · 07/11/2025 12:49

Is it mental or physical rest that you need?

Tangerinesattack · 07/11/2025 12:50

Wafffly · 07/11/2025 12:49

Is it mental or physical rest that you need?

Both, but gentle exercise is encouraged.

OP posts:
tortiecat · 07/11/2025 12:52

I’m sorry to hear about your health issue, and hope you feel better soon.

As a fellow Duracall Bunny, I think a loose timetable of gently restorative activities might help you make the most of this time.

What do you enjoy?

I find the following relaxing: reading, hot baths, listening to podcasts, (Christmas) shopping online, food magazines, knitting, embroidery, yoga, slow walks, baking, making soups.
Try and have some phone-free time if you can (to avoid the scrolling). Do the minimum of chores: I know it is hard to leave if you feel you have time on your hands but this time is about recovery and they can genuinely wait - if funds/caring responsibilities allow would it be possible to get away for a few days?

TangyJellyTot · 07/11/2025 12:52

There’s productive rest like baking, seeing friends etc. you will need to do some doom scrolling too though.

Forgottenmyphone · 07/11/2025 12:55

Order your groceries to be delivered
Go on a few walks. The greener, the better
Download some meditation/mindfulness podcasts (and actually listen to them)
Treat yourself to a few meals out, or at least a few coffees/teas out, perhaps with friends if they’re available

frozendaisy · 07/11/2025 13:00

Read fiction
Escape into worlds and stories that you enjoy. The is something for everyone romance, sci-fi, set in hotter climates, mystery.

FusionChefGeoff · 07/11/2025 13:12

Gently, it’s great that you have recognised that this question in itself demonstrates the problem.

I would also recommend you spend a bit of time researching some local therapists or life coaches if you can afford to invest in yourself. Otherwise you will be back here in 6 months and probably with more serious issues.

I’d sleep in, wake naturally and then give myself half an hour in bed with a cup of tea and my phone. Then up, dressed and out for a walk.

If there are errands eg post office that you can walk to rather than take the car (as you’ll have more time) then make that the new approach.

Start a good book. If you don’t enjoy it within 70 pages try another one.

I love jigsaws but never have time.

Proper cooking - very mindful and productive as well as helping to nourish your body.

Imagine what you’d tell a friend; and then do that

Blanketenvy · 07/11/2025 13:14

Plan no more than one activity a day. Eg a walk, swim, baking, meeting a friend for coffee.
Have a nap everyday.
Get a new series to watch, some books to read, podcasts to listen to and plan a good chunk of time just doing that.
Plan some time for jobs. But don't get drawn into loads of housework etc.
Ideally have some days with no plans. Maybe a duvet day at least once or twice a week.

Keepingongoing · 07/11/2025 13:40

I have to incorporate a great deal of rest into my day to day life to manage my condition (ME sufferer). It’s really hard to rest when there’s always some chore or tidying nagging at me.

Having a firm structure to the day helps enormously . So, I get up at my normal time but have breakfast slowly and read. Do a few little admin jobs, put a wash on or some tidying etc, but not for too long. 11-12, rest lying down on my bed (I do a specific relaxation routine, but for you just listening to music/ radio/ audiobook might be good). 12 - 2, lunch, read, maybe do a local errand - nothing too taxing, just pop to the PO or similar. Or sit in my garden if the weather is warm enough. 2 - 3.30 lie down in bed, phone off, listen to an audiobook. This is ‘protected time’, I don’t schedule anything early afternoon if I can possibly avoid it, and everyone knows not to disturb me.
3.30 - 6 tea prep in small steps, cup of tea, maybe a gentle walk or phone a friend or relative, read, puzzles…in the evening I get tea, eat with the TV and have a long sit down, rest of the evening TV (nothing too exciting) or read.

The essential thing is that you have rest periods timetabled in - and stick to them. If going for a gentle walk is restful for you, or having a long daily bath, do that. But don’t view the 2 weeks as a good chance to give the house a spring clean, really get on top of your admin, make a tricky decision, or see someone who’s overdue a visit. Your job for the next few weeks is R+R which means doing whatever you enjoy but isn’t tiring. It’s actually a good habit to learn but for many of us who are always on the go, it’s a huge change.

Tangerinesattack · 08/11/2025 10:44

Thanks - some really helpful suggestions. I've dug out some easy craft projects - knitting and cross stitch - and I'll put together a little list of TV shows to watch - any suggestions? I've got a jigsaw and I'm going to buy some bath stuff and magazines.

My loose plan is dropping DC at the school bus then going for a short walk along the beach, maybe stopping in at a cafe on the way home. Then I'll just see how the day takes me. I've booked a massage for next weekend and might do a couple of sauna sessions/ yoga classes if I feel like it.My laptop is firmly locked in the boot of my car and DH has bought an array of nourishing food. I'm getting into the mindset of a Victorian convalescent, languishing on a sofa!

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