What would you do?

[Mybrainishurtingme]

I know it's a personal thing but looking for inspiration....

If you were told to think of something nice to do for you and it'd be paid for for you.
Max budget £200

Background info is I've been supporting hubby through various issues and MH problems (some of you may recall) for a long time, he is unable to work, struggles going out, can't deal with crowds etc. Recently put forward for a carers assessment, which I'd not even considered myself eligible for, but on top of being offered a lot of support for me (counselling, support groups etc) I was overwhelmed to be told that I am eligible for a one off payment from a charity/fund to do something for me.

I don't really spend money on myself, most of the time I am juggling to pay bills, we can manage to eat and pay bills but not really any spare money to do fun stuff

They did suggest a pamper day, or even taking hubby for a meal, but I feel selfish using it 'just for me' so need ideas and a kick up the arse

I am hugely grateful for this opportunity but they want ideas by Monday and I'm really stuck....

Tandem sky dive!

What were your interests/hobbies prior to this situation?

I'd use it for a pamper day, or to pay for an art/craft class, or for supplies for a hobby.

I would do a day at the spa with treatments and a big pile of new books.

Do what makes you happy! I like reading, so I might buy some books and find somewhere lovely and quiet to read. Another suggestion, if you have a good friend who lives elsewhere, why not get a train ticket and meet them for a fun lunch or drinks? I love getting my hair done. Posh salon for a treat? I also love exercise so four personal training sessions? Just some ideas, none may be up your street! Whatever you do, enjoy it...and make sure the cash doesn't just get subsumed into household bills!!

Before you met dh what did you like to do?

I think you should do something just for you, that's what it's for! Really depends what you enjoy - a spa day? Night out in London/nearest big city? Do a course if there's something you fancy?

An electric plug in throw blanket to keep me warm on the sofa.

A massage.

Nails done.

Spa.

New kindle.

All very profound.

Enjoy whatever you decide on, OP.

Go to a hotel. Order drinks and room service. Close the door. Have a lovely few hours to read or think or whatever. Get a long, uninterrupted sleep.

I'd honestly have a spa day. I always sniggered at bit at the suggestion on here but then my MIL paid for one for me in a break between end of stressful study and beginning of stressful job and it changed my life

I was awarded this recently. I used it to pay membership to the local leisure centre, so I can swim, use the gym, health suite etc.
Just half an hour a week to myself sometimes is bliss.
I would say, choose something, and spend it on that quickly. It's issued as a cheque, so it's far too easy to pay some bills etc and before you know it it's gone.
Like you, I found it hard to spend it on "me" especially as money is tight, but I was reminded I need to take care of myself in order to take care of my loved one.

Does your favourite restaurant /cafe do gift vouchers? If so buy some and on bad days days use them to give yourself a treat.

Someone gave me these and they were great. I couldn't spend the money on bills etc. On days I needed a treat I used them and because they were already paid for I didn't feel like I was wasting money on me.

But no matter what you do, do use it for you. Remember you need to be well to be able to look after others.

Spa spa spa or a course in something self-developing that will have long term impact on your wellbeing. Meditation. Improvisation. Yoga.

A nigh school course in something that interests you? Art? Needlework?

That's assuming you are able to have that regular time away each week though, which may not work for you with the caring.

I had the same thing. My council gave carers a lump sum to spend on themself. I used mine to fund days out.

I don't have a car, so I took the train to London for the day and went round galleries and museums. Most are free to get in and I had cheap lunches in Chinatown or took a sandwich. I went half a dozen times. It was so enriching and refreshing. If you live in or near a big city there are usually cultural highlights you can visit either cheaply or for nothing. Great art is deeply satisfying.

I loved getting the money. It made me feel that my community was acknowledging how hard things could be. They only paid it once. By the following year my DS was so much better he didn't need a full-time carer.

A massage definitely. You have to look after yourself to do a good job of caring OP! Massage and hairdo.

Thank you all, I'm in town at the moment but will have a proper read when I get home

Kindle and spa or night on my own in hotel !

I would go to a michelin starred restaurant with my DH. £200 is a lot of money but it's not huge-huge...I think that amount would be better spent on one standout item or event rather than lots of little things. So for me, one very memorable and luxurious meal would be fantastic.

Also agree with PP re night in nice hotel. x

Spa. Vouchers for somewhere treaty so I can go even when I can't afford to go (nice coffee bar etc )

I don't know about you, OP, but my payment came with an instruction that I could only spend the money on myself. I was forbidden from spending any of it on the person I was caring for. Better check.

Singing or painting lessons. Some way to express myself again.

Thank you for ALL these ideas, I think the gift vouchers are a great idea, once I've bought them I can't pay bills with the money, but they are "free" meals/snacks/cuppa on days I am skint/fed up.

Thanks to all for the encouragement to do things for me. X

Coffee shop gift card so that you can have a cuppa and a cake every time you go out? Or circus skills training, but that's quite a specific interest so you would probably know if you wanted that already...