Self-care ideas for my days off

[Anonymous]

I'm a super fried working mom of a pre-schooler. I've scheduled two vacation days for later this month (not consecutive, unfortunately) and lined up childcare to give myself a break, since I'm not really getting a break on the weekends right now. My DH will be still be working from home on those days and my kid will be in the house in the afternoon (though with a caregiver), so I'm trying to figure out some activities I can do that minimize my time in the house. I'm an introvert and really just need quiet alone time.

Right now I'm planning a long run in the morning followed by a long hot shower, and then hopefully a couple hours sitting on the patio of a coffee shop and reading a book (weather permitting). Any other ideas for pandemic-friendly self-care that would get me out of the house but still be relaxing and solitary? I do a ton of hiking with my family and love it, but I'm really looking for something different to kind of reset my central nervous system.

If there were not a pandemic, I'd go to a movie, visit a museum, or go shopping. Anyone have safe substitutes for those??

[Anonymous]

Pack a small picnic lunch and plan an urban hike from one park to another.

Window shopping in a nice district.

Do some research on local architecture and do a walk to see some sites. Maybe an out of the way old church or other building? You don't have to go inside, even if they are open.

Make a cozy spot in the back seat of your car, park in the sun, crack the windows, and do your nails.

[Anonymous]

I wish I knew you IRL - we could hang or agree to hike together but not talk!

We have similar personalities, OP and even though my DC are teenagers, I still crave solitude, especially on my days off.

I’d suggest a park for reading and relaxing - so maybe run, shower then head to a park with a stack of magazines or a book. Throw a blanket down and doze in the sun. The m in Fairfax County, BTW and there are so many large grassy parks where this is feasible. Or in lieu of your run, walk in a park.

Plan to spend as much time outdoors as you can. Visit a garden center and buy mums, stroll around outside.

[Anonymous]

Oh I hope you have good weather!!

Bring a good book and grab a decadent coffee and pastry—something I don’t usually treat myself to, and read and enjoy the solitude.

Get tickets to the Strathmore Sculpture Garden.

Grab takeout for lunch and eat while listening to a fun podcast.

Browse in target or Barnes and Noble if you’re comfortable going into stores right now.

Meet up with a friend for coffee

Find a farm/winery that has outdoor live music and drive out there and enjoy

[Anonymous]

Glenstone museum outdoor exhibit

[Anonymous]

Thanks all, these are great! Already researching the different sculpture gardens suggested and figuring out which bakeries I'm going to hit. Can't wait!

[Anonymous]

Introverts unite.

[Anonymous]

I feel you, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Introverts unite.

+1

All the people saying that the pandemic must be great for introverts obviously aren't talking to all the introverts with families, who used to spend 8 hours a day in solitary jobs but are suddenly spending 100% of their time with other people. My central nervous system needs a reset too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pack a small picnic lunch and plan an urban hike from one park to another.

Window shopping in a nice district.

Do some research on local architecture and do a walk to see some sites. Maybe an out of the way old church or other building? You don't have to go inside, even if they are open.

Make a cozy spot in the back seat of your car, park in the sun, crack the windows, and do your nails.

I was going to say this except read or nap (if it's not nice enough to do outside).

[Anonymous]

Do you have a friend with an empty house during the day? I have an empty nester friend who is out of the house all day and lets me go sit on her couch to get a break from my house full of virtual learners. I’d love to be in *my* house by myself, but that’s not happening any time soon.

[Anonymous]

Definitely take a water proof blanket and a small pillow if you go to a park. Reading in the shade while lying down is awesome!

[Anonymous]

These type of threads never cease to amaze me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These type of threads never cease to amaze me.

Why? What a weird non-sequitur.

[Anonymous]

The Post just had an article about hotels renting by the day. That's what I would do - just being out of the house, ordering room service, would be glorious