To ask what to do with 2 hrs 45 mins a day?

[Rabbitheadlights]

Not AIBU but I want traffic.

I have 7DC, 1 of whom has complex additional needs - he is starting at a specialist setting in September for 3 hours a day Mon -fri. Initially I will probably use the time to rest and catch up on sleep (I only get 4 hrs a night) but long term what can I do with the time? Gym? (Wouldn't know where to start though) Course online or not? Lunch out everyday, alone? (My waistline can't really handle that though?)

In your situation I would prioritise sleep! The health benefits in your situation I would think would be massive. If money allows I would plan massage, aromatherapy type relaxing sessions allowing your body and mind to really let go. Then maybe some personal training sessions once you are feeling relaxed to get some advice before launching into something. Glad your getting some time to take care of yourself.

Meet a friend for coffee or invite friend over to you for coffee
Nap
Housework/laundry
Watch a film/box set
Go for wander round shops in town.

This is what I use my time for

Walk, for headspace.

Walk, run or swim.
Meet a friend.

I wouldn't sleep all the time. Then life is literally just caring / parenting and bed.

Some of the days when you really need it yes.

You may find that exercise leaves you more alert and provides more energy and then you sleep better at night.

If you have nearly 3 hours, you should be able to do some exercise and have a short nap - I think it's best to limit these to a maximum of 30/40 mins in the daytime, or else there's the risk of you falling into deep sleep, which is harder to wake up from.

Any exercise is beneficial and good for mental health/general fitness and wellbeing even if it doesn't make you 'properly' fit, plus if you do things like walking or pilates/yoga, you won't get sweaty so won't need to take time out of your time to shower immediately afterwards.

Maybe mix it up and do different things on different days. Maybe go out for lunch on a Friday and do other things on other days. Definitely make a plan or at least keep a list of things you want to do, if you need to do this to avoid feeling like you've wasted the time and not done things that are worthwhile to you.

Op different reasons but I've also finally got time to myself for the first time in 10 years.

My plans are to work on my body, so swimming in the local pool although I'm considering joining a private gym.

Work on my house, the cupboards need a clear out and declutter the house. Which should make it easier to manage.

There are some small DIY jobs that I'm planning on too, paint the bathrooms etc.

I'm thinking deal with the inside of the house between now and Christmas and turn my efforts to the garden come springtime.

I'd focus on sleep every day as the lack of that impacts on everything else.

After that, I'd just go for a walk. Really good for your mental health.

A mix of all of these, different each day,

Online course
Musical instrument (even using YouTube)
Learn a language
Reading a book
Masturbate (not for 3 hrs!)
Nap
Learn origami
Paint
Redesign the interior of your house

Oh and go for a run!

Honestly I would use it all for sleep. Y ok can’t function properly on 4 hours sleep a night.

Movie Monday!

Do you enjoy walking and being outdoors? I would probably sleep three days and go for a long walk on the other two, around some green and blue spaces ideally.

I would run - you could do something like C25K to learn to run.

Then have a bath and a nap or a rest on the sofa with a good book.

On non-running days, I'd do some gardening (actually improving it, rather than just what needs doing)

so when you exercise would it be ok to do maybe twice a week or would that be pointless

Not at all! It would be a brilliant start.

For C25K they recommend 3x a week (30 or so mins each) but you can do it on 2x.

If you want to do something else, would you be going to a gym (good for a change of scenery?) or would you like some home workout ideas?

Online degree or masters. Perfect amount of time.

I'd also say a swim, it's gentle exercise, it's relaxing and gives you some heads pace whilst you do it. I also find that on days I get a swim in - I sleep like a baby! (Also gets the shower out of the way tonfree up and extra half hour at home!

Oh! Or a walk with some headphones in - I do that regularly and it does wonders for my mental health

Acqua aerobics or swim with a coffee afterwards.
Art class.
Go for a drive.
Coffee somewhere busy and people watch.
Hope you have lots of nice mornings!

Sleep, snooze, nap, read, watch a film, listen to music, listen to an audiobook.
Relax.

In my ideal perfect home life, I'd say decluttering and getting all those random jobs done around the home. The reality would be watching shit daytime TV and drinking tea!