If you’re reading this post, this means that you are currently pregnant or going through the whirlwind of postpartum and feeling alone while doing so. My husband and I were married back in November and when we found out I was pregnant in January, I did not realize what that would mean for the next 9 months besides growing a beautiful baby. My husband is social- likes to go out, and have a few beers with friends on Friday and Saturday nights and I was too, until I became pregnant and realized that majority of my social life was grabbing drinks with friends after long work weeks. Is it me or is the only social thing to do now a days for late 20 to early 30-year-olds is to go out and have a few drinks or at least involve drinking in whatever the plan ends up being. I cannot imagine how hard it is for recovering alcoholics… As for me, I have always been the active type – not one to sit around, I would rather go hike in the woods or play in sporting leagues after work, so to go from active to mostly non-active has been a struggle to me. To not feel a sense of loneliness and reliance on my husband, I came up with a list of ideas to ease the feelings.
1. Music
I tend to listen to music anywhere I go and with whatever I do. You can pick a genre of music and or just listen to playlists to enhance your mood. My favorite one is on Spotify is Ultimate Energy Booster by heliumphi (click the link to access this playlist) – most songs have a good beat and almost automatically makes you feel better.
2. Journaling or Reading
Sometimes nothing is better than a good book – I am currently reading The Whole Truth by Cara Hunter (5th book of the series) – a murder mystery with tons of twists and turns that leaves you on the edge of your seat, plus there is a whole series! Here is the link to this book if you’re interested: https://amzn.to/3Ym1FVw
3. Puzzles
Some may think this is just an old lady activity – but you will not believe how much time goes by trying to figure out puzzle pieces. I recently went to Barnes & Nobles (their puzzle section is great!) and found a puzzle on General Mills Cereal Boxes. This puzzle is wicked hard, taking a long time just to put together the frame of the puzzle. Here is the link for that puzzle: https://amzn.to/4dp1RYl
4. Video Games
Being born in the 90’s and having a love for Harry Potter, I have been geeking out on Hogwarts Legacy on my Nintendo Switch. I am not good at video games and never had an itch to play them when I was growing up unless my older brother asked for me to play James Bond or Grand Theft Auto with him. So, although I am not the greatest gamer, I enjoy having some down time by playing games like Hogwarts Legacy (you even get to fly on a broomstick!) Here is the link for that game: https://amzn.to/3SvCCLW
If you are curious about using a Nintendo Switch – this is the one I currently have and absolutely love it. It makes it fun when you use two players and have a controller that is so versatile. I currently have this one: https://amzn.to/3LTRIqF
I also loved switching out the white controllers for fun colored ones – I currently have a lilac and a lime green color. https://amzn.to/4frWM3e
5. Moderately Active Activities
Living in Maine, anything outside can be a wonderful time, even if that means just going for strolls on easy hiking trails or signing up for paint nights, terrarium making classes, or even pottery classes. I have found that even if I do these things by myself, I still create a better mindset because I am focused on something besides what I am feeling.
6. Cooking or Baking
Recently, my step daughter has asked if she could learn how to cook – absolutely my child! After she picked out a cookbook, it has been fun seeing her create her masterpieces (they are quite tasty!) This kids cookbook has had some fun ideas as well as interactive activities in the book like coloring pages and quizzes. https://amzn.to/4c791Q2
I have realized that preparing to have a new baby in the house, it has been nice to meal prep ahead for the week or figure out what I will be taking to work ahead of time. I have many influencers I am following on Tik Tok that give me so many good, easy ideas as well as scrolling on Pinterest. Follow my Pinterest page to see some possibilities!
7. Arts and Crafts Activities
Along with puzzles, I have had so much fun creating things for the house, especially using my Cricut. The possibilities are endless on what to make and especially having a stepdaughter and a little nugget on the way, there is always something that can be made.
https://amzn.to/3Wvpo2L (this one on Amazon has been on sale for a little bit now and is a great starter pack). I am still a newbie when it comes to using this, but I have been using YouTube and Pinterest for how to videos and advice.