To have forgotten what to do to relax

[Ijustdontknowwhattodowithmysel]

I've got two small children and have had a shitty time of it recently.

My OH is going out for drinks tonight but has arranged a babysitter for me for three hours so I get a break.

if I stay in the house I risk the baby crying but if I go out then I will just end up spending money I don't have shopping or get a bit drunk which will just make me more tired.

Please can you lovely lot help me? I have say 6-9 to myself. What should I do?

Go to the cinema?

Go round to a friend's house for a chat.

Do you like swimming? I find it very relaxing and not at all like the dreaded 'exercise' - the best bit is the sauna / steam bit afterwards. My local pool is pay as you go or you could try to get into a gym for a 'taster' session.

Nothing on at the cinema and any friend I see will want to get drunk which I'm not sure I'm mad keen on.

Swimming is a good idea!

Cinema and/or go out for a nice meal

Is there any carol services on locally you could go to? It would be relaxing and also get you into a Christmassy mood.

cinema or theatre - there might be cheap tickets, our local one does £3 tickets in the hour before curtain up.

Go for a nice coffee and people watch, everywhere is open late this time of year

go to a bookshop and buy a new book, you may be able to sit and read there too

buy a craft kit and spend some time starting it

bake nice stuff - stay in the kitchen and let the babysitter deal with the baby

Go out for dinner, take a book - I'm jealous already!

Swim, cinema, meal out, go and see the Christmas lights in town, go to a Christmas market if you have one, cafe, people watch, read.