Mumsnet users share the novel ways they make time for themselves with Nintendo

[JustineBMumsnet]

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It can feel impossible to make time for yourself at the best of times, let alone when you’re juggling working from home and playing the role of teacher on top of your day-to-day home life. With free time often scarce and always precious, Nintendo would like to hear about the novel ways you’ve been making time for yourself at the moment.

Here’s what Nintendo has to say: “Keeping your mind active and taking some time out for yourself is really important and using quick games that engage your brain can be a great way to relax. Dabbling in puzzles, board games and a spot of brain training can help you to focus your mind on the here and now and give you the chance to relax when you have a few precious moments of quiet.”

Have you been taking extended loo breaks to achieve some much needed alone time even if the scenery isn’t the most appealing? Perhaps now the kids are home all the time you’ve got them involved with your relaxation rituals? Have you been entertaining yourself with video or brain training games? What do you do to relax if you have just a few minutes to yourself?

Whatever the ways you’re making time for yourself, share on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

Lock myself in the bathroom under the pretext of cleaning it but really am putting on a facemask, sitting on the laundry basket and reading trash about celebs online

I use my evenings to have 'me' time. I love doing jigsaws and reading so I swap between those. I also try and carve out some time when husband is around to look after the kids to do some exercise.

Reading a book in the bath after kids have gone to bed, bath I often fall asleep in the bath 🙂

I have been doing a weekly ‘click and collect’ shop at the supermarket. I make sure I have my audio book and just enjoy the peace, driving to and from the supermarket on my own.

Working from home means I spend a lot more time on my backside than I would in my usual job. I start feeling stiff and sore, working on my laptop in a chair not designed for the job. I've never been much of a person for exercise, I've always been a gamer, but I knew that something had to give. If I didn't do something, I would not just turn into a couch potato over the course of the lockdown, but probably start sprouting roots to match.

Enter Ring, my fitness guide from the Nintendo Switch game Ring Fit Adventure. He tells me how perfect my squats are, how magnificent my yoga pose is and how shiny and beautiful my sweat is. Instead of being a couch potato, aching in my makeshift office chair, I feel fitter and healthier than I have ever been in my life. I have actual visible biceps (if I squint). I reached level 100 the other day, me, a person who has never had a gym membership in my life. Cheers, Ring! I'm sure your sweat is shiny and beautiful, too.

Watering and deheading the plants in the evening is my favourite half hour of the day.
After all the chaos of dinner and getting the dc sorted for bed it's lovely to go outside for some peace, even if it's raining!
Ds1 got mario kart on the switch for his birthday last month and it's been a life saver to keep the dc entertained while I'm doing some jobs such as cooking dinner or on a work call!

Recently I have found myself listening to a podcast during a hot bubble bath to take some time for myself. It's the only time that I really have the time to properly listen to a podcast and have found I actually really enjoy them!

Reading in the bath - a favourite hobby!

Well. I'm jealous of all the mums kicking back and relaxing with Animal Crossing. I love the game. I played it on the GameCube and the DS.

But the child was the first person in the house to boot up the Switch version, so as a second player I spend my evenings trotting round his island picking up sticks and rotten fruit from the floor. Digital mum life.

I'd love to win the £200 to invest in my OWN switch!

My cross trainer is my escape. I've upped the number of times per week I do it as it totally relieves all my stress. I also seem to be staying up later just to get some me time.

I like to draw and paint. The opportunities are few and far between but I'm getting a few chances. Also I am teaching myself to crochet.

I make a face mask and run a bath - and if I have any - light a scented candle.

Reading a book once the kids are in bed. Bliss!

The Nintendo Switch is my 'me time'
My go-to phrase is 'Sorry I can't help I'm playing a live game' such as Splatoon 2.
I also enjoy playing 'Stardew Valley' , very relaxing and actually got me into planting vegetables in real life! My pumpkin patch is coming along nicely.

Getting up slightly earlier than my kids for a poshe coffee out of my mega coffee machine- such a simple pleasure but sets me up so well for a day of lockdown mumming!!!

I escape to the garden, even just 5-10 minutes snipping flowers or watering makes me instantly calmer.

Long walk and audio book for me. It's heaven

Long walk and audio book for me. It's heaven

I get up very, very early And have coffee in silence. Then, I indulge my Animal Crossing addiction - peaceful lockdown game with a low mental load! Then if no one is up, I do quiet housework and get ready for the day. An early desk start means an early finish!

Looooong baths!

I so badly want a switch now after reading everyone else's rave reviews! I very much doubt the kids would get a look in, mind...

A good addictive game. Mindless stuff! And a bath with candles when I have the chance.

I love my Nintendo Switch and thoroughly enjoy games such as Zelda and Animal Crossing. I am now mindful of having at least one hour to myself every day where I am not thinking about the house or family. I used to think that I was wasting time by playing games instead of doing something productive, but the fact is that we all need a break from our daily routine and that doing an activity that relaxes you is not a waste of time. It's investing in your own mental health. One hour a day, I lay in bed and escape to the different worlds of Nintendo and it's honestly so satisfying to the soul.

Get up a bit earlier then everyone else and have a cup of tea in peace!

Once the kids are in bed I can relax and unwind with a good book plus a cup of herbal tea.