It’s tough to imagine how you could possibly end up feeling bored when you’re on maternity leave – particularly if you’re just having your first baby. The chances are that for the first couple of weeks after you bring your new bundle of joy home, you’ll be so rushed off your feet getting to know the little one and meeting his or her needs, that you won’t have to think about ways to enjoy your time away from work.
However, you’ll soon find that when the visitors begin to subside, and the learning phase is over, you’ll be wondering what you can do with those free times that naps offer. If you’re currently wiling away the time on maternity leave, you could end up feeling bored and unproductive, so here are some positive ways to keep yourself entertained.
- Build a baby routine
Your maternity leave is the perfect time to start expanding your education as a new parent and figuring out what you’re going to do in the future when looking after your child. If you can get your child on a schedule for bathing, eating, sleeping, and all the other important things, then you should be able to ensure you also have plenty of time for yourself.
- Get plenty of exercise
Many new mums worry about the concept of getting enough exercise into their daily routine, but you’ll find that a regular daily walk is a great option for both you, and your baby. You’ll both feel refreshed and happier when you get plenty of fresh air in your system, and you’ll be able to start dropping the baby weight too.
- Take up a new hobby
There are plenty of great and productive hobbies to enjoy during your time on maternity leave. You’ll be amazed at just how productive you feel when you start working with your hands to complete the little projects that you set for yourself. For instance, knitting can be a great way to relieve stress and could keep you entertained for hours while you design new blankets and clothes for junior. You could also use this time to start a big project you’ve been looking to do for ages, such as piecing together your family history. You may wish to start with a resource like this from Genealogy Bank https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/obituaries/all/usa/tennessee/chattanooga/chattanooga-times-free-press to search local press for any obituaries matching your last name, and use this as a springboard for more detailed research.
- Play games online
Today, if you have a computer, then you have no excuse for being bored. There are countless great games online that you can enjoy to keep your mind sharp and have fun. For instance, online slots are a great way to try out your strategic thinking cap and you have the chance to win a lot of money if you become skilled at your chosen game.
- Take and frame pictures
Now’s the perfect time to take the family pictures that are going to last a lifetime. It’s easy to forget about photos when you’re decorating your nursery and dealing with nappies, but making the time to document those special moments will leave you with something you can treasure for years to come.
Staying entertained on leave
If you’re a working mum, it’s easy to become bored and overwhelmed by the time you spend away from work on maternity leave. Too little to do and you can end up stressing out over maternity leave, or even feeling depressed as a result of your boredom. Follow some of the tips above, and you should be able to make the most of your time with your little one.