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Dont know what to do with myself today

(65 Posts)
travelsafar Tue 14-Jul-20 08:43:57

Feeling really low today with nothing to do. Yes i could do some clearing out i suppose but that is something which i would be forcing myself to do not anything that really needs doing. Yesterday i cleaned the house from top to bottom. I have finished the trousers i was making and ironing up to date. Its wet and damp outside so unless it brightens up i wont be working in the garden. I dont need to go to the shops. I could go for a walk but not in the mood. Not long been up and already feel like l want to crawl back ito bed and put the duvet over my head. What do you do when you feel like this.

FarNorth Tue 14-Jul-20 10:51:48

l want to crawl back into bed and put the duvet over my head
I would just do this, and have done it.
I believe that I am not sleeping well and that is the reason for my low energy, along with all the current uncertainty.

There is no harm in giving in to this sometimes.

Jillybird Tue 14-Jul-20 10:52:56

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MellowYellow Tue 14-Jul-20 11:09:03

I think these restrictions are bound to be taking their toll. I don't get low but some days my head feels like it's tied up in knots. And today my kitchen is in a mess and here I am on my phone!!! I watch a mindless film when I grind to a halt and don't know what else to do... Hope you find something to indulge yourself with today FarNorth.

Gwenisgreat1 Tue 14-Jul-20 11:13:50

Have you any hobbies? I imagine you like travelling - plan your next trip, whether it's on-line or otherwise, maybe somewhere beautiful like Santorini, imagine yourself being there, walking the narrow streets or feeling the sand on your feet.
Good Luck!

Hellsbelles Tue 14-Jul-20 11:14:33

I felt a little like that yesterday. It's not exactly a bundle of laughs but I sorted out the food cupboards, and wiped them down and then sorted through the wardrobe and gave it a spring clean of stuff to go off to the charity shops ( eventually)
It gave me the feeling I'd done something useful ! Reward yourself with a cuppa ( or glass of something ) in the garden later.

Hellsbelles Tue 14-Jul-20 11:17:07

Or perhaps wash your hair and spend some extra time styling it, put in make up if you usually wear it and one of your nicer outfits.

Foxynan Tue 14-Jul-20 11:27:35

I sometimes have days like that when the day stretches out and I feel quite low, I have found a lovely way of relaxing by watching YouTube’s walking tours, I find I can visit places such as Venice, Mount Titlus in Switzerland all the places I have been to and it’s as if I am transported back there again, you can find walking tours of most places if you search YouTube xx

firdaus19 Tue 14-Jul-20 11:37:20

I can definitely relate with not knowing what to do, as well as with GrannySomerset 's comment that the less I do, the less I feel like doing.
One thing I enjoy is beginner level crochet/knitting/sewing but rarely find ideas of items worth making.
So I was pleasantly surprised to find instructions on youtube for knitted slip-on slippers, very similar to the type I would normally buy. Since mine are getting old I gave it a try and here I am, a week later, with something homemade on my feet for the very first time. They're soft, comfy and pretty (I think). Plus, above all, kept me happily occupied for quite a few hours! smile
Maybe others will find suitable simple unexpected pastimes online or in books which can bring a feeling of accomplishment and renewed sparkle of joy.

firdaus19 Tue 14-Jul-20 11:39:15

Fun to make. Fun to wear. smile

janeainsworth Tue 14-Jul-20 11:50:52

Travelsafar I have days when I feel exactly as you do. I give in and do what I feel like. I’m not a going back to bed person really, so I don’t do that, but I might have a long soak in the bath, do my nails or anything at all. So if a duvet day is what you fancy, have one.

Having said that, I have 3 lists.
One is ‘must be done today or tomorrow’ eg send a birthday card, pay a bill, water the plants, put a load of washing on.

Second is ‘need to be done in the next week or so’ - things that it would be good to get done but not immediately urgent eg tax return.

Third is long term aims - eg digitising old photographs, sorting stuff out.

Crossing any of those off, or even partly off, is a source of satisfaction.

But at our age, it’s nice to feel that if you need a self-indulgent day, we can have one without feeling guilty about it.
I usually find my energy comes back the next day.

Luckygirl Tue 14-Jul-20 12:01:24

I am feeling mildly desperate today. My friend has just taken in her family as they are between moves - the grandchildren are climbing all over her and cuddling her. Her OH is an ex GP with an immune deficiency disorder and has been in the shielded group. It is all very puzzling and sometimes I wonder if I am being over-cautious.

I have not even bubbled with one of my DDs as they work from home and lots of people are in and out; the children are at school; and they mix with my other local DD's children (their cousins) who also mix with their cousins on the other side of the family etc. etc. A chain of potential virus transmission.

I have just been clearing out some of the GC's books ready for my hoped-for house move and it has proved a slightly depressing task - I have saved the best ones, but wonder if I will ever get to read to them again. sad

Dorsetcupcake61 Tue 14-Jul-20 12:01:59

Theres some excellent advice on here. I think the most important thing is to remind yourself you are not alone in how you are feeling. I know people of all ages and circumstances who have experienced the above. I personally have had days when I have had tremendous energy and done lots. Quieter days where carried on with crafts and hobbies. There have been days when I havent had the motivation or concentration to do that and just drifted. On two notable occasions I did just crawl back into bed. Dont underestimate the impact of news/tv/social media which is currently full of conflicting messages. Many people are finding this a source of anxiety. Initially I felt I needed to be informed, which is good. I do however feel now there is too much conflict. I look at Gov.uk for guidelines which are straightforward despite dithering of Johnson. I check one reliable news source at end of day and ONS every few weeks. Do whatever distracts or soothes,be aware that this too shall pass. Most of all be kind to yourself and recognise it's ok to not be ok but reach out if it continues. Big hugs.

Luckyoldbeethoven Tue 14-Jul-20 12:10:39

In case anyone missed it, the latest research has shown that the Coronavirus can linger in the air for up to an hour. So the question of whether to wear a mask if it's just you and the shopkeeper is yes, because the virus may be lingering and infect you and others.

MellowYellow Tue 14-Jul-20 12:11:27

Sorry FarNorth I copied the wrong name. I meant to put travelsafar. Shows where my head is today! ?

Lancslass1 Tue 14-Jul-20 12:12:27

Go online.
Get some acrylic paints and brushes ......
and paint.
I was regularly about 30th out of 35 when I took my art exams at school but now I feel like Constable orGrandma Moses.

Aepgirl Tue 14-Jul-20 12:17:37

We all have these low days - some days I burst into tears for now apparent reason. I think we are all entitles to feel like this occasionally what with all the uncertainty at the moment. I find a walk, even just a short one, can lift my mood a little.

Bakingmad0203 Tue 14-Jul-20 12:29:55

Yes I too feel down today. I was quite active yesterday doing the cleaning and picking blackcurrants so I’m having a lazy day today.
One of the things that has got me down is knowing that some of my friends and relatives have booked holidays away, and seem to be out and about a lot more than me, but my DH says it’s too soon, so no travelling for us.

PipandFinn Tue 14-Jul-20 12:32:04

Hellsbelles

Or perhaps wash your hair and spend some extra time styling it, put in make up if you usually wear it and one of your nicer outfits.

This is what I do when I'm struggling with isolation. It always makes me feel better....

Greciangirl Tue 14-Jul-20 12:48:16

Try doing a workout on You Tube with Joe Wicks.
I only do the 10min workout for seniors, but it’s quite invigorating for a while.
You could do a lengthier one if you feel like it.

I know I should walk more, but sometimes I just can’t be bothered to get ready. Not been out today either. Just pottering around. But, I do feel guilty. Silly, isn’t it?

Buttonjugs Tue 14-Jul-20 12:48:55

I would recommend learning a language. There’s a website called Duolingo that you can use free. I have been learning German for the last two years. Its enjoyable and very good for preventing dementia too. Use the website though, the app gives you lives to lose and limits the time as a result.

Chinesecrested Tue 14-Jul-20 13:25:15

I get a comedy dvd out to watch. Suggest Mickey Flanagan's Out Out tour. So funny!

Newatthis Tue 14-Jul-20 13:38:14

Noooo - don't go back to bed. try something new - a new recipe, a swing project, knitting etc. there are lots of beginners' Utube on line to treat you new skills. We are all having 'off days', the important thing is is to keep busy to try to take your mind off things.

Applegran Tue 14-Jul-20 14:15:31

So sorry you feel like this. I agree with lots of things others have suggested - especially going for a walk even if you don't feel like it. And here is something else which really does help : when stressed or feeling low, pause and think of at least one thing you are grateful for. It reduces the stress hormone Cortisol. People who keep a regular gratitude diary are measurably happier than people in similar situations who don't keep such a diary. I wish you well - we all have low moods, they are part of being human, and not unusual; better to accept them and know this mood will not last for ever - this too will pass. So you can accept the mood, but let go the thoughts which are not helping: just look at them, realise they are just words, not The Truth.

Thecatshatontgemat Tue 14-Jul-20 14:45:36

Get drunk.

travelsafar Tue 14-Jul-20 14:50:05

Made myself go out for a walk and then as it wasn't raining pottered in my garden. Picked beans and pulled some potatoes for tea tonight, the time just flew in the end. Washing done and a small cake made for later. Also 'blocked' a garment I finished knitting last night. So all was not lost today. Thank you all for ideas and understanding how I was feeling. Now waiting for my favourite program to come on Escape to the Country with a cuppa and the feeling I haven't wasted the day. The power of Gransnet has worked again.smile