I need to find another way to relax apart from going on holiday

[Suddenfeelingofsadness]

I think I've got it into my head that I can only relax on holiday. I went on four last year, three this year, not all abroad and very low cost (easyJet and budget hotels, out of season) and camping.
I do love travelling but my holidays are very full on, two children under ten, and I'm a single parent. There are bits I enjoy but it's a lot of juggling and taking one to the toilet, whilst praying the other one stays by the entrance of the loos, missing coaches, running through airports, wheelie suitcases breaking, nearly getting robbed etc. I mean I love the memories and sights but I get back exhausted.
Now today I'm really grumpy as I've got a week off and I'm staying home (unusual). I need to think of other ways of relaxing without going away.
But it's two hours into the first day and I've cleaned the bathroom, done some washing, it just feels like same shit but without work breaking it up. The kids end up fighting or watching too much telly, I end up on my phone or eating too much!
How do I adapt and actually relax? On a budget?

Then put some time to one side to read a book, watch a film, go for a walk, meet a friend. Have a nap!!

You are allowed.

Go for a walk in nature with phone switched off.

Walk in nature

Listen to your fav music whilst baking your fav foods

Watch a movie whilst munching on fav snacks

Do you like live concerts ?. I relax at those .

Go sight seeing from home? Explore the bits of your area you never have, read, watch films, play games. Go out for breakfast. I would be tempted to get as many of the chores done as possible today so you can just act like you are in a holiday home the rest of the week

If you’re overly dependent on holidays for relaxation, you need to find ways of making your everyday life more relaxing. Reading, getting out into nature, yoga, tai chi, meditation.

Have you thought about drugs? Drugs are nice.

When my children were young and I was a single parent I would arrange a trip out to the beach and arcade games or a walk and national trust “haunted house” with picnic or lunch out, whatever the weather. They were then tired late afternoon and happy to sit and watch a film, while I read a book. Then, early night for dcs, wine and nice easy food and a takeaway for me, sometimes a friend round to share or something on tv I wanted to watch. Lots of good memories from that period despite being on my arse skint.

Is it half term? Will you have your children with you for the week?

You say you can only relax on holiday, but then say your holidays aren't at all relaxing - so I'm a bit confused.

I think your issue actually is that staying at home is boring - and tbh I can't argue with that. I think you actually love the racing around even if it isn't relaxing - I bet you're not the type to just sit on a beach for a week are you? And if you are then kids like the beach so why not just do that? Anyway my advice is learn your lesson and go on more holidays again next year! For now though what about some board and card games with the kids, it's quite a nice day so you could all go out for a walk somewhere too. The day will be gone in no time.

@Jessie1259 I think you've got it in one