Need ideas to occupy time

[punkster]

Hello all. I need some ideas to occupy my time while my husband heals from his surgery. He is at the point now where he can go out of the house for short periods of time, but needs frequent naps. We have always been very active, going on walks and hikes together. This is not an option now. I try to do a workout every morning, which makes me tired enough to take an afternoon nap. I also spend time online, practice piano, read and watch baseball games. This doesn't fill the day, however, and being in the house so much brings on anxiety. My work is ending in a few weeks for the summer, and I have no idea what I'm going to do with my time then.

[Xene]

Hi punkster, just a thought, do you do any word games? Obviously they’re not for everyone but doing my sudoku, wordle, waffle and spelling bee can keep me distracted. Some you could even do with your husband to keep him occupied too.

[punkster in reply to Xene]

I do wordle daily. I also used to enjoy Sudoku, as I am more of a numbers person. Maybe I'll try that again. Thanks for your ideas.

[Gillyflower18]

Do you garden? I find that a wonderful way to use your time. If not maybe you can start with some pots or houseplants.

[punkster in reply to Gillyflower18]

Gardening is not really an option for me during the summer because I live in an area that gets extremely hot. You gave me an idea though. I think I'll try an herb garden inside.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to punkster]

Great! I saw a nifty one made out of a shipping pallet. You can probably find a how to on YouTube or google.

[EndUser13]

I have way too many interests so I've tried to narrow things down to a handful of hobbies. Maybe you could write a list and add to it as you go, jotting down things that you'd like to try out or something you want to learn more about.

[punkster in reply to EndUser13]

What are your hobbies? Do you mind if I ask?

[EndUser13 in reply to punkster]

Reading, writing, embroidery, woodworking, gardening, video games... I'm always trying some random crafty thing for the fun of it.

[Atthepark]

Wow u have opened my eyes to things like working out in the morning to tire u out that is a good idea for myself on my days off plus u reassured me that it's not all in my head I also thought when I stayed in the house it makes everything worse I'm so glad u posted sorry I couldn't help

[punkster in reply to Atthepark]

No worries. I'm glad my post gave you some ideas. Being in the house all the time reminds me of Covid, and that brings on my anxiety.

[LifeIsThePitts]

I love 🧩 jigsaw puzzles. I buy them at Goodwill for $1-3.YouTube is my go to for anything...music, education, diy.

Pilates or yoga can get you out of the house for an hour or two.

Plant ☘️🌵 a small summer garden.

Read a book series...A Discovery of Witches is an AWESOME series.

Learn to crochet 🧶 mittens and a 🧣 scarf for winter.

[punkster in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

Thanks for the ideas. I think I will try crochet. I was a tomboy when I was younger and never enjoyed "girlie" activities. I can see that there might be comfort in the repetitive motion.

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to punkster]

Me too. Tomboy at heart 💓 skinned knees, playing in the dirt digging for 🪱 worms to go fishing 🎣, climbing trees. Yep 👍 I totally understand 😊

[Mumbutterfly]

I don’t have any new suggestions. I would read all the time if I could but I realize active people like doing active things. You mentioned that you like to read some. What authors do you enjoy? My favorites are Brandon Sanderson, Georgette Heyer, and Lynn Kurland. I have audio books as well as ebooks of my favorites but I also read and/or listen to books from the e library.

[punkster in reply to Mumbutterfly]

I enjoy historical fiction, but I am willing to branch out. I will check out those authors. Thanks for the ideas.

[Mumbutterfly in reply to punkster]

All three are historical fiction. Georgette is strictly that. Lynn has some time travel in a lot of hers. Brandon’s are fantasy because they’re not Earth stories but the basic stories sound like they could be from our own history. His characters struggle with things like anxiety and depression and are very encouraging to read about as they overcome their issues.

[Atthepark in reply to Mumbutterfly]

Nice I feel like reading Brandon's books I didn't even know there were books out their dealing w those issues thanks

[Mumbutterfly in reply to Atthepark]

I love all of his books but his Stormlight series is my favorite because of the issues the characters struggle with. The first book in the series is called The Way of Kings. This series and some of his other books and series are set in the same galaxy he calls the Cosmere and have world hopping characters but each is a complete story in and of itself so you don’t have to read any others to understand it but it’s fun to catch on when they show up if you do read the others. There are YouTube channels about them that are fun to watch after reading them. Most have spoilers but there are some that just give basic descriptions to get people interested in them. Daniel Greene has some and Lost in Discovery has many. Hope you enjoy them!!

[Tealpillow]

I enjoy yoga, crochet, writing postcards to voters, planting wildflowers, and cleaning (woohoo this last one is exciting, am I right?!)

I grew up loving nature and the outdoors but after the pandemic I became a total homebody. Sometimes I just get lost in thought watching/listening to the birds.

I hope you’ve gotten some good ideas you can try. Wishing you and your husband well

[punkster in reply to Tealpillow]

I still enjoy the outdoors, but it is hard to find a place to go that doesn't require a lot of walking. Yoga is a good idea, as well as the previously mentioned crochet. Thanks for your ideas and for your well wishes.

[GottaDance]

If you enjoy reading, try a great series, such as Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs and about 15 sequels. Her mystery story books are well written, not gruesome or frightening, and provide insight into human experience.