Tessa Quinn
Being in a hospital can be a stressful and boring experience. However, there are several ways to keep yourself occupied during a hospital stay. From bringing your favourite book or pyjamas to make your surroundings feel more familiar, to taking advantage of laptops and cell phones to stay connected with loved ones, there are numerous ways to stay entertained. Here are some suggestions to make your hospital stay more bearable and even enjoyable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bring your own clothes | Wear your own lounge clothes or pajamas to make yourself feel more comfortable |
| Entertainment | Load up your Netflix queue with shows, check out free movies on the hospital television, bring books or audiobooks, play video games, or work on crossword puzzles or Sudoku |
| Hygiene | Bring your own toiletries to make your hygiene routine feel more normal |
| Communication | Take advantage of laptops, cell phones, and tablets to keep in touch with family and friends through video chats, FaceTime, or Skype |
| Comfort | Bring your favorite pillow, bedsheets, or blanket to make your hospital stay feel more homey |
| Photos | Bring photos of family members or happy memories to remind yourself of your loved ones |
| Music | Bring a music player with soothing music or your favorite songs |
| Gifts | Ask friends or family to bring individually wrapped gifts or notes to open on different days |
| Food | Have your loved ones bring a home-cooked meal or your favorite snack, as long as you have no dietary restrictions |
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What You'll Learn
Bring your own entertainment, like books, magazines, or devices
If you're facing a lengthy hospital stay, bringing your own entertainment can be a great way to keep occupied and promote mental and physical healing. Here are some ideas to help you prepare:
Books and Magazines
Consider loading up your e-reader with books and audiobooks, or stocking up on physical books and magazines. Many local libraries offer free online lending systems, so you can explore new titles without any cost. Remember to stick to light and uplifting reads, as challenging material may be hard to handle during recovery.
Devices
Laptops, cell phones, and tablets are usually allowed in hospitals, so take advantage of these to stay connected with loved ones. Video chats, FaceTime, or Skype can help you stay in touch and even virtually "attend" important events. You can also use these devices to access streaming services like Netflix to catch up on shows or movies.
Other Entertainment Options
In addition to books and devices, there are other simple entertainment options that can help pass the time. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, video games, or adult coloring books can provide enjoyable distractions and help maintain a positive mood. Journaling can also be a great way to work through any difficult feelings about your illness and recovery, and it can be a platform to keep family members updated on your healing journey.
Remember, by bringing your own entertainment, you can make your hospital stay more comfortable and engaging. These familiar distractions can promote a sense of normalcy and help the time pass more pleasantly.
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Make your room feel homely with familiar items
Making your hospital room feel homely can be a great way to keep occupied during a hospital stay. This can be achieved by bringing familiar items from home, such as your favourite pillow, blanket, or bed sheets. If you can, bring your own toiletries, such as shampoo, lotion, or toothpaste, to make your hygiene routine feel more familiar.
You can also bring items that will entertain you and remind you of home. For example, bring your laptop, cell phone, or tablet to stay connected with friends and family. You could even start a blog to keep your loved ones updated on your healing journey. Load up your device with shows, movies, books, or audiobooks to keep yourself occupied. If you prefer, bring some physical books or magazines.
Personal items, such as photos of family members or objects that spark happy memories, can make your hospital room feel more like home. You could even ask a friend or family member to bring in a home-cooked meal or your favourite snack, as long as you have no dietary restrictions. Familiar items of clothing, such as your favourite pyjamas, can also make you feel more comfortable and like yourself.
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Connect with friends and family through video calls
Staying in the hospital for an extended period can be stressful and boring. However, there are ways to keep yourself occupied and connected with your friends and family.
Video calls can be a great way to stay connected with your loved ones during your time in the hospital. Most hospitals allow laptops, cell phones, and tablets, so you can use these devices to make video calls. This can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your support system.
- Prepare your device in advance: Ensure your device is fully charged and has a stable internet connection. You may also want to download any necessary video calling applications or software beforehand.
- Choose a quiet and comfortable location: Find a quiet area in the hospital where you can have privacy during your calls. This could be your room or a designated space within the hospital.
- Schedule calls with friends and family: Let your loved ones know your availability and preferred times for video calls. You can even set up a schedule or calendar to ensure you connect with different people regularly.
- Involve multiple participants: Group video calls can be a fun way to connect with multiple friends or family members at once. It can also take the pressure off you to entertain a single caller for an extended period.
- Share your experiences: Use this time to share your hospital experiences and receive support from your loved ones. They can offer encouragement and help brighten your day.
- Attend virtual events: With video calling technology, you can virtually "attend" important events, such as family gatherings, birthdays, or even school plays. This can help reduce feelings of missing out and keep you connected to your community.
- Consider virtual visits as a less tiring alternative: In-person visits can sometimes be tiring, especially if you're recovering from an illness or injury. Virtual visits through video calls can be a more comfortable alternative, allowing you to focus on your recuperation while still staying connected.
Remember to respect the hospital's rules and guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices and maintain the privacy and comfort of those around you during your video calls.
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Listen to music or audiobooks to pass the time
Listening to music or audiobooks can be a great way to pass the time during a hospital stay. Many hospitals offer internet-enabled devices, such as tablets or phones, that patients can use to access audiobooks and music streaming services. Some hospitals even provide easy-to-use audio players with a wide variety of audiobooks, music, and podcasts. These services can help relieve boredom and keep patients engaged and stimulated.
If you have your own device, such as a laptop, cell phone, or tablet, you can take advantage of various audiobook streaming services or applications. For example, Listening Books offers access to thousands of digital audiobooks for a small annual fee. You can also download audiobooks or music to your device in advance of your hospital stay. This ensures that you have access to your favourite books or artists even if you don't have an internet connection during your hospital stay.
When choosing an audiobook, consider the narration style and quality. A well-narrated audiobook can make a huge difference in your listening experience. Additionally, opt for light and engaging content that is easy to follow. Some suggested audiobooks include the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, David Fry's The Liar, and the Sherlock Holmes stories. You can also explore different genres, such as non-fiction, radio shows, or plays.
Music can also be a great source of comfort and entertainment during a hospital stay. Create playlists of your favourite songs or explore new genres to keep things interesting. Music can evoke emotions, stimulate memories, and provide a sense of familiarity and calm during a hospital stay. Whether you're into classical music, film soundtracks, or the latest pop hits, there are endless options to choose from.
If you're feeling up to it, listening to audiobooks or music can be a great way to stay occupied and pass the time in the hospital. They can provide a welcome distraction, stimulate your mind, and even offer a sense of comfort during your recovery journey.
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Do puzzles, colouring, or light reading to stay occupied
Staying occupied in a hospital is important for your mental and physical healing. If you're wondering how to stay occupied in a hospital, here are some ideas:
Do puzzles:
Puzzles, such as crosswords, Sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles, can be a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. If you opt for jigsaw puzzles, consider wooden puzzles, which tend to be smaller and easier to manage in a hospital setting. You could also try mini puzzles or artcrystal puzzles, which have pieces that snap together and are less likely to fall off a tray or table.
Colouring:
Adult colouring books can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass the time. Colouring can be a meditative activity that helps to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. It can also stimulate your creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment when you complete a page.
Light reading:
Bringing a book or magazine can be a great way to escape into another world and pass the time during your hospital stay. Opt for light reading material that is entertaining and not too emotionally taxing. You can also take advantage of free online lending systems offered by many local libraries to access a variety of books. Additionally, audiobooks are a good option if you prefer to listen to your literature.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to keep yourself occupied in a hospital. Here are some suggestions:
- Load up your Netflix queue with shows you want to see.
- Read books or magazines, or listen to audiobooks.
- Do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or colouring.
- Play video games.
- Journal or blog about your experience.
Here are some items you can bring to make your hospital stay feel more comfortable:
- Your own clothes or pyjamas.
- Toiletries, so your hygiene routine stays familiar.
- Your laptop, cell phone, or tablet to keep in touch with loved ones.
- Soothing music and comfortable bedding.
- Photos of family and friends.
Here are some ways your loved ones can help keep you occupied and lift your spirits during your hospital stay:
- They can visit you and play music or sing to you.
- They can bring you a home-cooked meal or your favourite snack, as long as you have no dietary restrictions.
- They can give you a hand or foot massage, a manicure, or a pedicure.
- They can bring you a thoughtful gift or a photo board/collage.
Here are some ideas to keep yourself occupied while waiting to see your healthcare provider:
- Write a letter to a friend or family member.
- Review questions for your visit or write down your goals for the appointment.
- Ask the receptionist for patient education materials to review.
