Ten Tips for Entertaining Yourself in a Hospital...
... because you don't have to be miserable every second. SAVE ME FOR LATER. A listicle
Hi readers- I know you love a good list, so here is another “Save for later” list.
If you’re new here, I started writing this six months ago when I was on dialysis. It’s intended to be both memoir and a practical tool to help folks who might be going through something similar or those caregivers and family supporting someone with a challenging diagnosis. I hope to include excerpts here as I write. NOTE: This is not intended to replace actual medical guidance. Please consult your doctors on your individual challenges and situations. Also names have been changed for most of my medical staff.
Ten Tips for Entertaining Yourself in a Hospital
If you’re lucky enough to have a short stay, great. But if you find yourself living at the hospital more than a few days, you need to find ways to keep yourself from going bananas out of boredom.
Visits from friends and family. Seems obvious, but in the times of COVID, it’s not always an option. Zach would often bring me a delicious meal and I was so grateful.
Your smartphone; social media, Facetime, podcasts, Substack, meditation apps, Netflix, word puzzles - the phone is such an amazing source of distraction. Keep that charger nearby and find a crossword puzzle or allow yourself a deep streaming binge.
Yes, I know there is a TV in the room. You’d be surprised how little I watched it, but maybe that’s a generational thing.
Ask your nurse or doctors what free programs the hospital has available- from puppies to Reiki, you never know what special services exist.
Pretending isn’t just for kids. Play “spa.” Put on some soothing music and have a visitor bring sheet masks (bring extra for your nurse or clinical partner for bonus points), nail polish (because, shockingly, your nails get gross in the hospital), moisturizer and a hair brush. It’s so soothing to get a little TLC in this way.
Ask your nurse or clinical partner for a hair wash. If you’re there a few days, your hair gets a little gross. They can do it in bed, too. It feels nice to have a wash, a little scalp scrub, and a refresh.
Take outdoor privileges. It often requires approval from your doctors but getting some sunshine is wonderful healing if you’re able. Ask them!
Take a walk. I would schedule dates with my clinical partners for them to take me on a walk around the halls. I had mobility issues but the exercise was good for my brain. I didn't get far, but even just walking to the nurse’s station or to a window feels like a win. Don’t let being on a catheter stop you. They can bring it with you.
Eat your lunch in the chair. Have a clinical partner or nurse assist you in moving, but it’s totally an option. Again just getting out of bed is good for healing. Depending on your situation, sitting in the chair can be good for you. I even sat in the chair after a bunch of abdominal surgeries after popping a pain med. I’d sit and eat and read a book.
Exercise in bed. Ask for some resistance bands from PT or use your incentive spirometer which is available for many patients to strengthen breathing. You don’t have to walk to stretch. Ask for tips from the physical and occupational therapist on staying as strong as possible even if you’re stuck in bed. You’ll heal faster.
Please share with anyone you know who could use these ideas or has a hospital stay coming up! Let me know in the comments if you have other ideas for folks!
Thank you to Richard Burwick, MD for your founding level donation! You not only supported the team saving my life, you’re amazingly supportive of my writing.