Time off

[Juggler]

So, here I am on two weeks sick leave - unexpected time to myself. I instinctively went to Dad's on the first day to check he was okay. Now for some time for me - but I'm so unused to having time for myself (probably the reason I'm now on sick leave!) that I don't know what to do! I'm tempted to make a to-do list but perhaps this defeats the object...
Suggestions please?

[Tracey]

Hmm, not sure but if you have time off do you have hobbies?..reading, erm..friends to catch up with..relax, eat lots chocolate.
Dont know sorry but just try enjoy some you time x

[susieq]

I've got a similar problem Juggler

Since Mum died I've found it difficult to know what to do some days - but I do try to get out every day for a walk at least. Today I'm going to walk through our High Street as we have an 'Artisan Fair' on and then call in at the little cafe in the park for a coffee and a sit in the sun with my book

I'm not sure from your username if you are male or female (female I think ) but what about treating yourself to a pamper session ? or go mad (if you're female) and have nail extensions done ? Not practical I know, but fun

Visit a local museum / art gallery and get some 'culture'

Rent a DVD or two and catch up on some of the films you've always wanted to see

Perhaps a nice calming, stress busting swim in your local pool

Or simply treat yourself to the largest bar of chocolate you can find

[michael parker]

Set yourself something to achieve by the time your `sick leave` is over.Something in the garden,sorting out all the rubbish we all hoard over the years,decorating,sorting CDs,changing something you have been meaning to change for years.Then,at the end of each day,treat yourself to something....chocolate,booze,outing.Time will fly by.

[bowlingbun]

I just love having a facial. After a really stressful few weeks (including DIL nearly giving birth on my kitchen floor, and a series of son related meetings) I was very tense, so treated myself to a facial. I have a beautician who does home visits, so her rates are far cheaper than they were when she worked in the salon where we first met. Her facial includes a head and neck massage, I hadn't realised quite how tense I was until she started working on me.
I also enjoy boat trips, just sitting watching the world go by, with a nice coffee, doing absolutely nothing.
If you can afford it, go away for a couple of days - look at the LateRooms site, or "book direct rooms".

Soon after I was widowed, I found a book which was aimed at helping life a better life in the future.
While you are on your own, write down a few things that you'd like to do, anything from learn how to knit, to a trip to France. Work out if your day is too full, and then think if there's anything you can do to change this. (Dishwasher, tumble dryer). I found it a really interesting exercise, which helped me realise firstly just how little time and money I ever spent on myself, then how I could tweak things in future. Having my legs waxed, eyebrows done, lashes tinted, and hair coloured regularly at the hairdresser has made me look at least 10 years younger. Having recently turned 60 I applied for my senior citizens discount card at the local garden centre. They didn't belive I was eligible and insisted on asking for proof of age, which made my day!!
You could also go through your wardrobe, chuck out all the old tired stuff and work out what needs replacing, then head off to the High Street. There are some fantastic bargains out there. Be sure to treat yourself to a visit to the coffee shop for something sinful. Hope there's something hear which you might be tempted with.

[linda2]

A lot depends on what has caused your 'sick leave'. Everyone's ideas are great if you are physically capable of doing them. You may find that the best thing for you is to relax and get yourself better and do things that don't require a lot of physical effort.

[Booksey]

I find I have to plan what I'm going to do on my respite sits otherwise I just spend 4 hours looking in shops and feel that I've wasted my time.

May be you could aim to do one thing for yourself each day like go for a swim or coffee out some where

[sturdygirl]

If I had a bit of time off, I would make arrangements to catch up with friends,.- a meal out perhaps, or just a brew and a chat, I miss that.
Like others have said, this is time for you, to get yourself better, so think of things you have missed out on that you used to enjoy.
xx

[Juggler]

Thanks everyone!

My sick leave is due to a build up of stress. Having been so busy that I've needed to timetable everything to fit it all in. It's taken me by surprise to be able to do what I want, when I want it!

I've been so keyed up that, yes Linda, relaxation is needed (went for a swim on Friday Susie and Booksey, and massage is booked for Monday Bowlingbun)...and, typically, I've gone down with a cold now that I've stopped racing around. There are jobs that need to be done (sorting the spare room) and others that I enjoy doing (gardening) so, Michael, I've started on the nice ones! I also sat down and read a book for an hour yesterday Tracey - first time since...?!?

What I'd like to do is catch up with friends but most of my good friends live too far away or are dealing with their own issues. Phone calls are great but not the same as meeting up for a coffee or a drink is it Sturdygirl? I've thought about going away but then decided to go for a few days out from home instead so I can take advantage of the sunshine when it appears (luckily close to beaches!) or a bit of culture if the mood takes me. But I am taking some time to plan a week's escape next month - a week when I'm not on call!

What's really surprised me is that I've started to sleep soundly. I was waking 2/3 times a night. Last night I slept through to 5am then turned over and woke at 8am! Perhaps that's what I needed more than anything else...

[Juggler]

And - of course Wimbledon starts tomorrow! I had a vague thought of going there for a day (always at work when it's on) but decided that it wouldn't be a good idea to be caught on camera when on sick leave. I'll go get some strawberries and watch it on TV instead!

[crocus]

And why not get some fizz to go with the strawberries........

[Melly1]

Hi Juggler, I'm the same - don't know how to handle free time and it is often then I fall apart ...
I think a combo of a treat, rest and something off the to-do-list is a good use of each day.

Sounds like you have some good plans in place.

Melly1

PS and catching a cold when you stop, that is so common.

[linda2]

You should go to Wimbledon if you want. When I was working for a company (before I started caring) I ended up on the sick with stress and I was concerned about still going to watch my favourite football team play in case someone saw me and told my boss. But my niece (who is a nurse) said that it is good therapy. It helps cheer you up so that you feel less stressed. When i thought about it I realised she was right. So get yourself away and enjoy your stress free time at Wimbledon.

[Deborah]

And - of course Wimbledon starts tomorrow! I had a vague thought of going there for a day (always at work when it's on) but decided that it wouldn't be a good idea to be caught on camera when on sick leave. I'll go get some strawberries and watch it on TV instead!

Tour de France starts on the 30th. Lovely countrywide, interesting villages, witty commentary, men in lycra, punch ups, crashes and mad spectators in national costume or fancy dress, something for everyone really

[Juggler]

Tee hee, Deborah!
I like the idea of spending my sick leave with Wimbledon on the TV with strawberries and fizz by my side!! Wonder if I can get signed off till after the finals...