If you had time out of work and spare time. What would you do?

[charmingbat]

For health reasons and following a whole load of trauma, I’m stepping back from work with no job to go to. I’m under strict instructions to relax and my kids will be in childcare a few days a week. My problem is I don’t really know how to relax and what to do with this time? What do you do and how do you ensure you still feel fulfilled and don’t get bored? Sorry…not really an Aibu but grateful for any suggestions. I don’t really have any/many hobbies or talents. I read (but that’s linked to my trauma) and used to run (weather is rubbish though) and watch tv

I started by taking time to just be, if that makes sense. Similar to another earlier post, it involved sleeping. I progressed to reading or watching series and napping. Eventually I was at a place where I could begin to move forward from.

Since then, I have joined an outdoor running group which has a focus on being outside in nature rather than a progress in running type group. It’s a gentle and enjoyable time and makes sure I am accountable.

I love my library!

I’ve taken up music as an adult. I enjoy the mindful quality of it since there’s no space to think of anything else when I practice.

I volunteer for about 2-3 months of the year. I can’t hack a continuous position as it would feel like work. So I find seasonal positions, and return to them. I’m on my 8th season in one position.

Cooking, another mindful break, and I enjoy food

I think I'd have a bit of structure to the day and make sure I got out in the fresh air a lot. So drop kids off at childcare, walk to swimming pool/yoga studio, after have a coffee somewhere nice, walk round 'proper' shops to get stuff for lunch/dinner, have lunch /read/ look at recipes for the next day, prep dinner and do some housework, pick kids up, play, dinner etc, do some knitting/crochet/needlepoint/jigsaw.
Keep it unambitious, and think in terms of this time being there to rebuild your mental health and resting your brain. Do things you enjoy, but without pressure to be delivering anything, commitments to others etc

FutureLearn course?

Novels / Books / Autobiographies you’ve always wanted to read

Films you’ve always wanted to watch

Make up photo books

Deep clean (one thing at a time!) with podcasts

Walking somewhere new / pretty with podcasts

Binge-watch Home & Away

• this makes me feel like I’ve escaped the UK drizzle and misery for a bit!)

Meet up with a long lost friend

Pile of books from the library, blanket, snacks..

Try a new cafe for lunch

Morning trips the the Butchers and Bakery (feels very wholesome!)

A 30 day trial - draw a cat a day, do a 7 minute workout a day, no sugar etc.

Learn a new hobby from YouTube - watercolour, candle making, keyboard, family-video editing, blogging..

Learn a language

Journaling, self-reflection - gratitude lists, follow journal prompts online, write letters you’ll never send, free-write through problems.. Making a time-line of your life so far is a very interesting exercise.

Finance - budget, plan future, switch bank accounts, open savings accounts, learn about investing..

Hope you enjoy it!

Exercise. But a sociable kind.
Maybe a team game (racket sports if you have decent hand eye coordination) or a walking group. It's never too cold to walk if you have decent clothing and wrap up well.

From Jan my son gets his 30 hours free childcare. For two of those days (12 hours) I won’t be working. I am so excited about this! I will be making sure the housework is done and preparing nice dinners on those two days but also going out on my bike, reading and walking my dog. The time will come when I’ll up my hours I expect but for now I cannot wait for some me time!

Exercise.
Nutrition.
Healthcare, eg counselling.

I'm unable to work at present, due to health (Covid, on a ventilator, stroke, all in July), and the days are so long.

Recently, I've been to Aqua Aerobics (it was a struggle so probably won't go again),
listening to music, watched films,
met up with a couple of friends for coffee (they work so I fit in with their times off),
been to a day centre (never again),
done some voluntary work, which I like, and will continue with
cleared crap stuff from wardrobes and cupboards,
seen the grandchildren

Try to get a combination of something social, some exercise, something outdoors, something which challenges you mentally and something which is pure relaxation .

I will probably get flamed for this but for me personally I'd take some of the time with my kids at home but not be doing loads of crazy stuff, just.... play with them, with no schedule, very chilled. But I'm in a slightly different position in that an element of what stresses me is missing my kids when I'm working. Also I love lego.

I study (doing a degree with the OU which I love) and do freelance work alongside my PT job.

I don't find the study stressful but do feel a huge sense of achievement.

I have two days a week when dc are at school and I'm not at work.

All I seem to do is wash clothes, dry clothes, room clothes, put clothes away and clean the house!

So tomorrow I am going to make an effort o do something for me. Altho I do need to dig out all the Xmas decs as the dc want to decorate when they get home.

A walk or a swim would be nice tho!

Walking. I’ve recently downloaded the Komoot app which suggests walks in my local area. I enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would.

I would first make sure that I had caught up on all the sleep I've missed! Then I would read and watch tv and go for long drives in the countryside (I do my best thinking while driving)

Am dram is so enjoyable - can you help out with a local panto? They will always find a part for you (crowd, group singing) or make-up, on.the door, scene painting etc. I've found it to be a great community.

@charmingbat

For health reasons and following a whole load of trauma, I’m stepping back from work with no job to go to. I’m under strict instructions to relax and my kids will be in childcare a few days a week. My problem is I don’t really know how to relax and what to do with this time? What do you do and how do you ensure you still feel fulfilled and don’t get bored? Sorry…not really an Aibu but grateful for any suggestions. I don’t really have any/many hobbies or talents. I read (but that’s linked to my trauma) and used to run (weather is rubbish though) and watch tv

Reading Podcasts (true crime for me) Crosswords Organising (not for everyone but I find it satisfying!) Bullet journaling

Place marking with interest; I’ve recently been signed off work and my university studies, and will be off for at least 6 months, possibly more. I’m struggling with maintaining a routine as my life is pretty much unrecognisable compared to 5 weeks ago, and I my anxiety levels have rocketed. However, I recognise that I need a ‘new’ routine and new activities in my life so I’m reading this thread with interest, thank you OP.

Are you happier around other people or in your own ? That would be a big factor for me in whether to choose solitary pursuits or join in clubs etc.

You enjoy reading...but could you try writing?