Give me some ideas...

[Lavender2024]

I am newly single due to my husband having an affair. He has our son this weekend and for the first time in four years I have nothing to do and so much time for myself, but I have no idea what to do. I'm struggling emotionally and financially. All friends and family are busy so hit me with some ideas for what I can do. I struggle to relax as I haven't in so long, life was previously so busy for me due to doing nearly everything on my own. I'm currently trying to watch tv and have a lazy morning in bed but it feels wrong!

[StBank]

Enjoy your lay in! What did you like to do before kids? Reading? Baking? People watching with a coffee? This is YOUR time right now. Maybe just sitting in peace and quiet is enough. It's a lovely day where I am (East of England), so if it's nice where you are, get some morning sun and go for a walk, listen to a podcast or music you loved and danced to before kids. Time to reclaim the you time! Enjoy and don't feel guilty!

[EarthbarsforMartians]

Go for a walk somewhere pretty. Beach, forest, hills. Coffee in a cafe if budget allows. Thermos of coffee in the garden or the park if not.

[StrawberryTwister]

Do you have to do anything? My kids don't see their father in fact he has never once had them overnight, if I was ever lucky enough to have that happen I would just use it as a chance to rest!

[StellaGibson2022]

My early days post split were boxsets, bath, painting my nails, pottering about, podcasts etc

Much the same as my current cost of living days :)

[Lavender2024]

Every time I try to relax I have a panic attack. All I have known for four years is a never ending list of jobs and being worn out. Now that I have that time, it's like I need to learn how to use it. It's so strange. I used to think wow I'd love a day to just veg out and watch Netflix, now I have it Im feeling wrong for doing it.

[Xccccc]

It's tough at first but it gets easier. The first time the kids were away with my ex felt awful. I cried and moped and felt bereft. What helped was texting other mums who had been in the same situation, coffee in a bookshop , easy TV under a blanket, exercise and reading.
Sending you a hug because I know it feels so awful , the quiet , the adjustment, the anger , the worry .But I promise you it does get better and I never thought I'd be saying this but i now look forward to my fre e time.

[Londonforestmum]

People who don't know what it's like always say oh I'd love a break, just sleep or something - what's wrong with you!?

Yes it's lovely to have a break. But it's quite short sighted to not realise it comes with emotions to deal with, especially for someone who's newly single.

[Londonforestmum]

Ideas wise, a run, walk, reading, batch cooking, gardening, meet a friend, rest, watch a film, food shopping, whatever you fancy doing it's your time :-) I find doing something active helps keep my mood up.