To ask for ideas of things to do by myself

[Candystripes85]

I’m a mum, have a amazing husband and I work part time. When I’m not looking after my DC or working, I’m generally cooking, cleaning, or tidying (husband helps with housework but I always find something to do ).

I’ve been getting really burned out recently and my husband has suggested that I take some time every week and do something nice for myself while he looks after DC.

The only thing is….I don’t know what to do with myself, other than the above 😅.

What do all you do for some time away when you have a few hours with no responsibilities? Bonus if it’s cheap/free!

Join an adult ballet class

Ah what a lovely husband you have. Definitely take him up on the offer!

Swimming
Colouring
Just started a puzzle - first time in 40+ years
Coffee and a read of my kindle sitting outside (in the winter by a log fire)
Walking - go to local NT place and walk in the grounds - tahr a flask of coffee with me
Watch films on z Netflix /Prime that DH isn't interested in
Gardening - I find weeding very therapeutic

Art class
wild swimming
read a book
crafts
go to the gym if I must

Thank you for all your replies.
I have to admit I never really had a hobby before DC was born. I used to love cleaning my house as sad as it sounds, but after the last couple of years deep cleaning almost daily because of the dreaded C, I’ve lost my love of it. Now it’s just like any other chore!

I’ll definitely check out the local community centres and see what’s going on there as I do love arts and crafts! I just know trying to do it at home would be a disaster with a toddler around.

i think this week I’m going to start by going for a walk around the local area, find a nice place to sit and read a book for a little while!

Take the dog on an extra, different walk.
Do an exercise class.
Go for a mooch around the shops.

I recently walked to the library ! It reminded me of going with my DM as a child.

adult learning classes weekly, lots to do with arts and crafts - sewing, hat making, upholstery* *etc

Definitely do the pirates class suggested above.

I now need to know about the pirates class.

I'm assuming it's an autocorrect of pilates, but you never know.

I've started doing the same recently. In fact, I've booked a week off work when the kids go back to school in September and I'm planning the following:

Museum,
Art gallery,
Mooching around a library,
Meeting a friend's for lunch,
Facial,
Massage,
Cheap train ticket for a city I've always wanted to visit,
Theatre,
Cinema,
Make-over at a beauty counter.

I won't get it all done, of course, but I have choices that I can do another time if I'm free.

I'm up for the pirates class! This very much depends on what kind of person you are and what recharges your batteries. Peace and quiet is what does it for me, so I spend alone time reading, walking in the woods, maybe taking myself out for a quiet lunch or a massage. Others recharge from social contact so would benefit more from taking a class or joining a group. Try a few different things and see what feels right!

On my part time days off as well as the household things you list I go for runs, long walks, get my nails done, crochet, sewing, baking (on my own with no sticky children trying to eat it all), read, watch episodes of things that dh doesn't want to watch on Netflix, go clothes shopping for me, go for coffee, go swimming, used to go to the gym and then sauna etc but too expensive now, get a massage, go to the library, gardening. Oh, and work which is usually bottom of the pile.

When you are doing the housework make sure you have some headphones and listen to music, podcast or a book.

It can depend on what "slot" you get - if you get a free hour between 8 and 9 on a Tuesday evening there's less you can do than 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon!

Have a change of scene, and be outdoors are the two most soul satisfying things I can think of.

Cinema
Library
National Trust property (walk and cake)
Hop on a train to the nearest city
Start Christmas shopping
Write Christmas cards listening to Buble
Empty our your wardrobes and sort
Pamper morning (bath/scrub/mask/tea)

Realise that Christmas shopping, cards and wardrobe sorting may be a chore for some, but they make me really happy 😂

I would suggest something physical to get the endorphins flowing.

Things I currently do or have done in the past two years:

Tap dancing
Belly dancing
Circus skills
Roller skating

They all make me feel absolutely joyous, make me move in a different way from my day to day and give a great sense of accomplishment

I've started gentle yoga. Meditation etc appeals to me. Go on local community groups and you'll probably be surprised at what's about.
I live in Liverpool, so for the price of an all zone saveaway (5.50) there's access to beaches, historical stuff, country parks and beautiful walks. Taking the train means a glass of something with lunch is an option.

I'm surprised no one's mentioned masturbation
But on a more serious note, walking in woodland, or in a green space always makes me feel much better. Depending on where you live you can get a train or bus a short way out of town and walk.

Walking
Pottery making classes
Cinema alone (one of my favourite things to do)
Cycle and explore your neighbourhood
People watching in a nice cafe with coffee and cake

If you like arts and crafts I would have a look at a WI. There are ones aimed at younger folk - my WI (not currently a member) was one evening a month and had members from 22-82. It was a mixture of crafts, talks and other classes. It had sub groups that happened between meetings for board games, walking and knitting as well as other bits and bobs. It even had a bar!

Take a book and a flask somewhere with a nice view.

Put your earphones in and go for a walk while listening to your favourite music or podcast

Meet a friend for a chat/drink

Go to a gym class (if you enjoy them, obviously not if you find them tedious)

We've got a couple of nice walks near us. I pack a flask of hot choc, a pot of marshmallows and a book. Bliss.

I'd tap up a friend to join next time, they probably deserve some time away from kids too!

I would arrange to meet friends, exercise - something different to the usual like a nice walk by myself with my headphones or I’d book a facial or massage.

Enjoy whatever you decide.