To ask what you do for "me" time?

[worldshottestmom]

Posted for traffic, and because I didn't really know where else to post this.

I didn't get time to myself for a very long number of years since having DC1, and for the last almost 6 years cared for my kids alone (Ex ever helped, didn't get a minute off from the kids). However, I'm now in a position where I'm finding myself with a lot more free time, yet, I don't know what to do with it.

I do the normal cleaning and errands, etc., but want to do something for myself or get some new hobbies or something. I'm highly uninspired after freshly coming out of SAHM life, and thus I am asking everybody, what do you do for yourself during your free time / 'me' time?

I was thinking about going back to the gym, getting my nails/hair done, but want to try something new! Any ideas?

Crikey the list is so long. As the parent of an adult child, I have lots of me time and still can't fit it all in.

Some of my interests/hobbies

Gym/swim
Hiking/walking
Lego (literally just bought myself a couple of new sets!)
Making model miniature houses
Photography (macro/wildlife/landscape/long exposure)
Learning a language
Reading
PS5
Gardening
Cooking (buying a lot of new cook books and learning new cuisines)
Extensive travel
Going to National Trust/Historic Houses type places
Playing musical instruments
Meeting friends for lunch/coffee
Puzzle books
Jigsaws

That's hilarious they just carry on with the meeting while you do that, haha. I've heard of people collecting swords, but just never really put much thought into it. Definitely not kid friendly lol so I couldn't do it

You have no idea how grateful I am for this clear list. It makes my adhd brain very happy lol

You're so lucky you get time to do all of that, good on you for spending time wisely.

I sit around and do bugger all. It's marvellous.

You sound like who i think my son is going to be haha

• Walk my dog and chat to other dog walkers (dog lovers are almost always nice people).
• Find somewhere silent where I can be alone with nature (or what’s left of it) and practice deep breathing. Usually interrupted by the distant screeching and backfiring of a souped up car though.
• Lay in a hot bath and listen to Stephen Fry read P. G. Wodehouse or Evelyn Waugh or Sherlock Holmes.

Theatre is my absolute fave and I'm now into dance and ballet too which has surprised me how much I love it. But can be pricy.

Books - if you want recommendations I'd find a local indie bookstore, join a book group or join one of the friendly reading threads on MN

Used to love cinema - so relaxing and great to do on your own

Art exhibitions or museums

Lunch out alone - goes really well with a book

Walk in nature, can pack yourself a lovely little picnic - also combines really well with a book 😅

I build lego
do jigsaws
knit and crochet
swim
flotation therapy
potter round charity shops and antique fairs
Volunteer as a trustee for 2 charities
Do crosswords and logical puzzles
Read

Nice coffee (we have a machine that I’m quite good at!) sit in the front room on my own (or with the dog if he wants company) and read a book, or sometimes just mindlessly scroll social media!

Literally, just being on my own in a quiet room is my version of ‘me time’ but I think it varies from person to person.

As you mentioned ADHD brain, here's how I spend my free time as a fellow ADHD woman:

Learn an instrument -currently learning three

Exercise - the gym isn't great for the ADHD mind, so go out and ride a bike for real. Walk in the countryside if you can rather than on a machine. Swim in the sea. Your brain will appreciate the dopamine hit!

Research your ancestors - your hyperfocus will love this, and you'll know where you came from.

Read - I love autobiographies. But to be honest, everyone's life is interesting. I'd read yours!

Write your autobiography - descendants in the future will appreciate it! It's dispiriting when all you can find out about an ancestor is their name, and dates of birth, death and marriage. What did they do? What were they like? Write your life story. It will amaze them, even if it doesn't amaze you
.
Most importantly, choose happiness - It is a choice. Do happy things. Meet up with happy people. Listen to happy music, sing happy songs. Laugh as much as you can. Always look on the bright side of life. It lifts the spirits, and makes you enjoy every minute of the day. And that's the most important thing if all.

I’m really enjoying being back at the gym which is weird for me, but also I like settling down with a good book, a nice glass of something (depends on the time of day), or popping out for a walk with the dog

I go through the bestsellers list, look at the authors and a brief outline of the books, then order them from the library.

Same building black roses now just Built creel house hocus pocus and home alone lol

Typically I would say I perform in local am drams theatre shows, I sing and I do burlesque classes. I read and colour, do crosswords and puzzle games, play Xbox and watch TV with DH - we have certain shows we watch together.
Sadly, my chronic periods and the peri menopause has put paid to anything I used to do for “me” because I can no longer do it - I’m just that exhausted. So currently I sleep a lot and get long baths when I’m not sleeping or working.

I play sims 🤔

I’ve joined a lovely spa/gym and do aqua aerobics, Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
I also love to go to the cinema.

I joined a really nice gym, I go to o ky the classes I love. I have some friends that go too and I sometimes have coffee/lunch after classes with them. I read and I watch tv my DH wouldn’t enjoy and a nice coffee/biscuit while doing so.

I've been a single mum for 15 years with no help. Like you, at the start I had no time to myself.
When ds could be left for an hour, I ran park run. Thinking time, fresh air and a bit of adult conversation.

I still run, and I do a class, and I'm a parish councillor. I've got to know a brilliant mix of people 😊

Spa days
Reading - in a hot bath or in sunshine
Church
Joined a choir
Walking in nature
Cooking something I really love

This is on my To Do list.

Swim. Our local lido opens on 28th March and I'll try to go most days.
Read.
Walking.

This thread is great for ideas.

I exercise - weights, aerobic-type stuff (at home), and yoga (class). I'm in a book group, so I read a lot, and also joined a choir. I live a good declutter, not sure that's a hobby! I also go to art galleries (I live on the outskirts of London, so am spoiled for choice), and the cinema in the daytime, on my own. Bliss!

I read, go for walks in local green areas and go to various towns, galleries, museums and exhibitions.

Reading, long baths with nice bath stuff, walks, have my nails done

Was hocus pocus a good set? And creel house and home alone ! they look fun they are on ny wish list.