Claire Dawson
Staying in a hospital for an extended period can be a stressful and boring experience. However, there are several ways to keep yourself occupied and make your stay more comfortable and homely. From bringing your favourite book or pyjamas to receiving visits from loved ones, there are many ways to stay engaged and positive during your hospital stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bring items from home | Clothes, pajamas, photos, bedding, toiletries, laptops, cell phones, tablets, books, magazines, music players |
| Prepare your home | Tidy up, arrange for pet sitters, pay bills, stop mail, ask a friend to check in periodically |
| Prepare for the hospital | Pack medications, paperwork, doctors' numbers, glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices |
| Activities | Watch TV/movies, read, listen to audiobooks, play video games, do crossword puzzles, play Sudoku, journal, color |
| Visitors | Invite friends and family, ask them to bring home-cooked meals, snacks, or gifts |
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What You'll Learn
Bring entertainment: books, magazines, laptops, tablets, etc
Staying entertained during a long hospital stay is important to break up the monotony and keep boredom at bay. Here are some ways to bring entertainment to the hospital to keep yourself occupied:
Books and Magazines
If you're a reader, bring a good book or two to pass the time. It could be a book you've been meaning to read but haven't had the time, or a favourite book you want to revisit. Magazines are also a great option, offering a mix of articles, stories, and other features to keep you engaged.
Laptops and Tablets
Laptops and tablets are excellent sources of entertainment. They allow you to watch movies, TV series, or anime, providing hours of content to keep you occupied. You can also use them to play video games, either by downloading games or accessing gaming platforms. Additionally, laptops and tablets enable you to stay connected with friends and family through video chats, helping you stay socially engaged during your hospital stay.
Audiobooks
If you don't feel like reading or find it tiring to keep your eyes open, audiobooks are a fantastic alternative. You can listen to them on your device or laptop, or even access free audiobooks with a library card.
Handheld Gaming Devices
Handheld gaming consoles, such as a Nintendo Switch, PSP, Gameboy, or Steam Deck, can provide endless entertainment. They are portable and perfect for when you're bedridden or don't want to keep your eyes focused on a screen.
Journaling
Consider bringing a journal or starting a blog to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during your hospital stay. It can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and reflect on your journey. Additionally, journaling can be a creative outlet, helping to pass the time and promote self-expression.
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Make it homely: pyjamas, blankets, pillows, toiletries, etc
Making your hospital room feel homely can help promote mental and physical healing. It can be draining to spend extended periods in a sterile hospital environment, so bringing some items from home can make your stay more comfortable.
Firstly, consider bringing your own pyjamas or lounge clothes. This can make you feel more like yourself and less like a patient. You could also bring a sweater or hoodie to keep you warm, and some non-skid slippers to protect your feet.
Secondly, familiar bedding can help you feel more comfortable and make your hospital bed feel more like your own bed. Bring your favourite pillow, blankets, and bedsheets to add a homely touch to your room.
Thirdly, using your own toiletries can make your hygiene routine feel more familiar. Bring your own shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and other toiletries to help you feel more like you're following your usual routine.
Finally, think about what else makes your house feel like a home. Do you have a pet? Bring a picture of them. Is there a particular scent that reminds you of home? Bring a room spray or candle with your favourite scent. Do you have a favourite snack? Ask a loved one to bring it to the hospital for you. These small touches can make a big difference in helping you feel more comfortable during your hospital stay.
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Connect with family and friends: video calls, photos, letters, etc
Staying connected with your loved ones is a great way to keep yourself occupied during a hospital stay. Here are some ideas to help you connect with your family and friends:
Video Calls
Thanks to technology, staying connected visually with your loved ones is easier than ever. Use your laptop, cell phone, or tablet to make video calls to your family and friends. Platforms like Skype, FaceTime, and other video conferencing apps allow you to see and talk to your loved ones in real-time. This way, you can share your experiences, seek support, and even virtually "attend" important events, such as family gatherings or celebrations.
Photos
Bringing photos of your family and friends can be a great source of comfort during your hospital stay. Looking at happy memories or pictures of your loved ones can remind you of their love and support. It can also be a conversation starter with hospital staff, allowing them to see you outside of your patient role. If possible, ask your loved ones to bring in photo boards or collages to decorate your space, creating a homely and uplifting environment.
Letters
Writing letters can be a wonderful way to stay connected and pass the time in the hospital. Take the opportunity to write letters to your family and friends, especially if they live far away. Receiving a handwritten letter can be a delightful surprise for your loved ones and can strengthen your bond. It is a more personal way to share your thoughts and feelings, and it gives your loved ones a tangible keepsake.
Calls and Messages
In addition to video calls, regular phone calls and text messages can be a simple yet effective way to stay connected. Hearing the voice of a familiar person can be comforting and reassuring. Share your phone number with your close contacts so they can reach out and check in on you. Text messaging allows for quick and casual conversations throughout your day, helping you feel less isolated and more connected to the outside world.
Virtual Visits
While in-person visits are valuable, virtual visits can sometimes be preferable, especially if your energy levels are low. Virtual visits allow your friends and family to see and talk to you without tiring you out. They can share stories, offer encouragement, and provide a much-needed sense of connection without disrupting your rest and recovery.
Remember, staying connected with your support system is essential for your well-being during a hospital stay. Don't hesitate to reach out and let your loved ones know how they can best support you during this time.
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Play/listen to music
Playing or listening to music can be a great way to pass the time during a hospital stay. Music can be a powerful tool for calming and healing, and it can be used to improve your mental state and lift your mood. Music therapy is a growing field that involves directly interacting with music to improve medical outcomes. It can be used to reduce stress and anxiety, manage pain, and improve your emotional state.
If you're staying in the hospital, you can ask your doctor or social worker about accessing music therapy during your treatment. This could involve working with a licensed music therapist who will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. The music therapist will consider your music preferences, age, physical and cognitive abilities, and any trauma triggers you may have. They will then guide you in making and/or listening to music during your session.
If you're looking to listen to music on your own, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your musical selection carefully. Choose music that will help you achieve your desired goals, whether it's relaxation, mood enhancement, or emotional expression. If you're dealing with pain, for example, music with a slow tempo and low pitch may be especially effective in reducing your perception of pain. You can also bring your own device, such as a laptop, cell phone, or tablet, to play your own music. These devices can also be used to stay in touch with family and friends, who may be able to recommend music or create playlists for you.
Additionally, music can be combined with other activities to help pass the time. For example, you could listen to music while working on a puzzle, colouring, or reading a book. Music can also be a great way to stay active during your hospital stay. If you're able to move around, you can try dancing or gentle exercises to the music.
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Do puzzles, colouring, journaling, etc
Keeping yourself occupied in a hospital can be challenging, but engaging in activities like puzzles, colouring, and journaling can be a great way to stay positive and promote healing.
Puzzles, such as crosswords, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles, offer a delightful diversion from the monotony of hospital life. If you're inclined towards jigsaw puzzles, consider opting for a Pintoo puzzle with its tight-fitting, spill-resistant pieces that won't easily come apart. Alternatively, the "World's Smallest Puzzle" by Masterpieces could be a fun, compact option for your bedside tray.
Colouring books, especially those with fun themes or quotes, provide a creative outlet and a chance to relax and unwind. You can also explore the option of artcrystal puzzles, which offer a satisfying snap as the pieces come together.
Journaling is another excellent activity to pass the time and process your emotions during your recovery. It can be a safe space to explore your feelings about your illness and recovery and even serve as a way to provide updates to your loved ones if you feel up to it.
In addition to these activities, you can also bring your own lounge clothes or pyjamas, and your favourite toiletries to make your hospital stay more comfortable and homely.
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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 watch.
- Check out the free movies and shows available on your hospital TV.
- Bring books or audiobooks to your device, or stock up on physical books and magazines.
- Do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, video games, or adult coloring books.
- Bring your laptop, cell phone, or tablet to keep in touch with family and friends.
Here are some items you can bring to make your hospital room feel more familiar and comfortable:
- Your favourite pillow, bedsheets, or blanket.
- Your own toiletries for your hygiene routine, such as shampoo, lotion, or cream.
- Glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices.
- Photos of family members or happy memories.
- Your favourite pajamas or a comfortable sweater or hoodie.
Before heading to the hospital, here are some things you can do to prepare your home:
- Leave your home in a tidy state and take care of any household chores, such as mowing the lawn or stopping your mail.
- Arrange for a pet sitter if needed and pay any bills or set them to auto-pay.
- Ask a friend or neighbour to check on your home periodically.
- Make a list of all the medications you take and bring any important records or paperwork requested by your healthcare provider.
Here are some ways your loved ones can help keep you occupied and entertained during your hospital stay:
- They can bring in a music player with your favourite songs or soothing music.
- They can visit you and play a musical instrument or sing to you.
- They can bring individually wrapped small gifts or funny notes to open each day.
- They can create a photo board or collage of pictures and memories to remind you of your loved ones.
- They can bring in a home-cooked meal or your favourite snack, as long as there are no dietary restrictions.
If you're facing an extended hospital stay, here are some ways to keep yourself occupied:
- Journaling can help you work through your feelings about your illness and recovery. You can also start a blog to keep your family updated on your journey.
- Bring books, magazines, puzzles, or other activities that you enjoy to pass the time and promote a positive mood.
- If allowed, use your laptop or tablet to video chat with family and friends or to attend important events virtually.
