Things to do when you’re recovering from an operation
Recovering from an operation or hospital stay is no fun. You may be dealing with pain, having trouble sleeping or having to learn about new medicines.
But if you’re also battling boredom, try these ideas to keep yourself busy while you recuperate.
Read books
When you’re forced to put your feet up, it might be a good time to catch up on some reading. Whether you’re someone who flies through novels overnight or barely opens a newspaper, what better excuse to crack open some literature? Talk to friends or consult a book club if you’re after some recommendations. Or it might be the perfect time to read that book that’s been collecting dust on your bookshelf, or even revisiting some of your favourites. You could even try reading something you’d never ordinarily pick up – you might just find a new favourite.
Practise mindfulness
Practising mindfulness in our daily lives is believed to help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. Whether it’s focusing on your breathing for a few minutes a day or trying journalling, there are many ways to practise being mindful that, at the very least, will help keep you occupied. Why not try these deep breathing exercises that aim to make you feel calm?
Play games
Games aren’t just for children – playing cards, board games and even video games can be a great social activity for anyone, especially if you’re recovering from an operation or illness. If you can’t physically be with people to play, there are plenty of online games to choose from – ones you can play on your own or with others.
Communicate whilst recuperating
Maybe you’ve been dreaming of learning new computer skills but have never had the time to sit down and do it. Either way, your recovery time could present a great opportunity to step into the world of technology to see what it has to offer. You could try blogging, a new app or updating your smartphone. Technology is a great way to help you stay connected with family and friends as well as be an outlet for expressing how you’re feeling and connecting with others who feel the same. Or it might help keep your mind off what’s going on by allowing you to focus on your interests.
Plan a holiday
What better way to get your mind off your recovery than planning to travel somewhere else? You can be as realistic or as lavish, as far away or as local as you like. Maybe it’s planning a drive to the coast one day when you’re feeling up to it. Maybe it’s just going through and perfecting the bucket list by adding every location in the world you’d like to visit. The important thing to remember is that these are just ideas and a good way to keep busy, not plans that have to be set in stone or put into action.
Learn a language
Learning a language takes time and focus, so a hospital recovery could be the perfect time. There are heaps of free apps and online programs that can help get you started. Perhaps there is someone in your community you could practise with? Aside from improving your language skills, it might also be a great way to strike up an interesting conversation or perhaps even a new friendship.
Watch your favourite TV series
There aren’t many other times in life when you can watch a whole season from start to finish or binge on all your favourite movies without a twinge of guilt. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Start a journal
Similar to a blog, a journal can be an outlet for how you’re feeling, but the bonus is no one else has to know. At times we just need to express ourselves and then move on, and a journal is a good way to do this. Plus, it can be a great way to track your recovery and feel proud of the progress you’ve made.
Play with pets
Our much-loved pets can often cheer us up if we’re having a bad day, and the same may be true when we’re recovering at home from a stay in hospital. Pets can be great companions, staying by our side when we need them most. There are some possible health benefits that can come from owning a pet too, including lower blood pressure, increased social connectedness, lower anxiety levels and some can even help us stay in shape – as every dog owner knows!
Craft projects
What a great time to challenge yourself or take on a craft project that you may not have otherwise had time for. Committing to a project while you’re recovering can help you pass the time and feel productive. You might find some inspiration online or come up with your own ideas.
Write a short story (or a whole book!)
It seems as though people consider themselves either to be a writer, or not. Creative writing can be intimidating and time consuming, so writing a story may not be the first thing you think of doing when you’re looking for things to do. It’s an exercise in creativity and, at the end of the day, no one has to read it – so what have you got to lose?
Seek out support
As well as keeping yourself occupied, it’s important to make sure you are cared for and supported at this time. Whether it’s arranging for care to come to you or extra help around the home while you recover, there’s a lot of support available, which can be tailored to your individual needs. And depending on the procedure you are recovering from, it might be a good chance to participate in some group activities. You never know, you might connect with others with similar interests while you recover.
