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Original poster

I'm at a loss come 6pm??

22 replies

layla · 05/03/2004 15:09

I want to pick your brains.I have had a really bad bout of depression last year.Medication and keeping busy and family are what has made me better.But I still have a need to keep busy.Work keeps me busy during the day but come 6pm for a couple of hours I find I'm at a loss as for what to do.All the housework has been done.The children are occupied.DH has his guitar.I have nothing.I need a hobby
I'm quite crafty but need some suggestions as to how I can fill in time and keep busy then.

Can you help by giving me all your good ideas.It can be anything?

OP posts:
Northerner · 05/03/2004 15:11

Read
Jigswas
Knitting
Excercise class
Running

Mum2Ela · 05/03/2004 15:16

How about exercise? Jogging perhaps? Is there someone who lives near you who would be your jogging partner?

Or biking? You could take the whole family along? Esp. nice during the summer.

Those aren't really crafty suggestions. How about, for my weddig last year myself and my bridesmaid made all the ivitations ourself. Could you knock up birthday / anniversary / mothers day cards and sell them somewhere? We often have a lottle box of cards for sale that one of the mums has made at DD's music class.

I hope you find something that works for it - it must be terribly hard keeping the depression at 'bay'.

Mum2Ela · 05/03/2004 15:17

Soz Northerner, posts crossed.

GeorginaA · 05/03/2004 15:21

Try lots of different things for awhile ... see which you enjoy most. One night you could catch up on reading, another you could do something crafty like embroidery, join a pottery class for one evening a week, have a video night (the local library stock videos much cheaper than your local blockbuster - so it needn't be expensive), get some language tapes and learn a language...

Make sure you do factor in some "slobbing" evenings though - you can't be on the go all the time Perhaps learning some simple relaxation techniques might help? Yoga? Meditation?

The world, as they say, is your oyster You can do a hell of a lot with a couple of hours a night...

Beetroot · 05/03/2004 15:21

This reply has been deleted

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fisil · 05/03/2004 15:26

I Mumsnet at that time! and catch up with people via e-mail.

I was going to suggest making cards. You could either just make what you need, or sell them.

Agy · 05/03/2004 15:36

I do rugmaking (Readicut kits). Its easy to do, its satisfying and relaxing. And you get a nice finished article.

crystaltips · 05/03/2004 16:21

Mumsnet was my suggestion too !

SecondhandRose · 05/03/2004 16:23

How about swimming? Or some sort of pampering, DIY manicure and pedicure. Gardening, it's that time of year again.

StripyMouse · 05/03/2004 16:28

painting, photography, reading, internet surfing, learn to play the guitar too. Exercise classes, family exercise time - all go swimming or book a badminton sourt if they are old enough, teach yourself to speak a foreign language taped course.. Try your library for information on hobby groups (many meet at 7pm so you would have an hour to pamper yourself and get ready!) Good Luck with whatever you do.

outofpractice · 05/03/2004 17:16

I would really recommend an evening class. The local authority ones are not expensive, and I am very motivated by being in the group rather than just doing the hobby alone. If there is space in the class, you can join in the middle of a term.

crystaltips · 05/03/2004 17:26

ooh yes oop - I learnt spanish - Great fun AND a dishy tutor

batey · 05/03/2004 18:05

Hi Layla, sorry to hear about your depression, can only ditto what others have said really. Exercise is great in many ways. And your local College must have some courses. I love pottery, a friend does an art appreciation course, another stain glass course. Also have a friend who does pretty party invites/thankyous for people in her spare time.HTH and good to hear from you.

Lisa78 · 05/03/2004 18:07

Layla
Expect to see you in the virtual bar this evening, we will have a big cocktail with swirly umbrellas and everything for you
Lisa

Grommit · 05/03/2004 18:23

Layla - try to get out of the house and do something - like an evening class as suggested or meet up with friends to see a film or for a drink. I did pottery and really enjoyed it

Angeliz · 05/03/2004 18:26

layla, i just bought a sewing machine and that keeps me really busy. It's fantastic making things and i'm currently making curtains for dd's room.
Some great suggestions here

motherinferior · 05/03/2004 19:27

If you can get out to exercise, it really should help with your depression. Ditto seeing friends - they're crucial to fighting it off. Oh, good luck.

katzguk · 05/03/2004 19:35

i scrapbook whenever i have a free minute, its a bit more involved than card making and best of all you get to keep the work!! there are some great starter kits out there and it helps to get all those baby photos into order, plus people are always asking how my DD's book is going.

dinny · 05/03/2004 19:42

Layla, if I can't be bothered to go to the gym/exercies class I do either my yoga video or Pilates video. I often get bored and twitchy when dd has gone to bed and find yoga helps me avoid wine (my downfall - when not pregnant).

Or how about studying at home? A correspondence course maybe?
All the best, Dinny

Chinchilla · 05/03/2004 22:50

Evening class? I do card-making and cross-stitch. It is all very relaxing.

Demented · 05/03/2004 23:54

Exercise, Mumsnet, reading, baking, chatting on the phone, this is how I spend my 'me' time. Hope you find something you enjoy.

Original poster
layla · 08/03/2004 15:17

Wow,there's some really great suggestions here-thankyou everyone.
I know I should exercise but apart from walking I loathe it.
I love the idea especially of card making,pottery classes or using my sewing machine more and cross stich etc.So many to choose from.I can't wait to get started now.
Hi Batey,thanks for your message.I wasn't on mumsnet much last year because of it.I've had a horrid time last year and my poor family.I was glad to see the back of it.I can pinpoint the exact day I got better funnily enough.I'm looking forward to spring now and getting out and about for some walks.

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