35 boredom busters for mums in hospital

35 boredom busters for mums in hospital

Stuck in hospital and wondering how you’ll pass the time—especially if you’re going to be in hospital for an extended period of time?

Lying in bed doesn’t have to mean you can’t engage in leisure activities or be productive. In fact, you can effectively maintain your mood if you engage in things you normally enjoy.

We’ve compiled a list of activity ideas to help you bust bed rest boredom:

Entertainment

  1. Play board games—bring in games from home to play with visitors, or other mums in hospital with you.
  2. Catch up on your favourite TV series or movies on DVD/Netflix/Stan.
  3. Learn something new or take up a new hobby —e.g. a foreign language or knitting.
  4. Tap into your creative side—painting, drawing, colouring-in, singing or writing.
  5. Read that book you’ve always been meaning to read. Or start a new series. Make sure to check out the portable library in hospital that Mater Volunteers can bring to your room.
  6. Try something a bit different—check out the weekly craft group.
  7. Do puzzles—jigsaws, crosswords or Sudoku.

Pamper yourself

  1. Pop on a fluffy robe and treat yourself to a facial.
  2. Play with makeup—get creative and try a look you’ve never tried before. YouTube has lots of great ideas for makeup and new hairstyles.
  3. Ask a Mater Volunteer for a hand massage.
  4. Get dressed each day in day clothes, rather than pyjamas.
  5. Paint your nails—try your hand at nail art or use a colour that makes you laugh.

Keeping in touch

  1. Join an online forum for women on bed rest.
  2. If you have children at home write them letters and send them in the post.
  3. Get all your emails up to date and send a weekly progress email to friends and family to let them know how you are doing.

Social activities

  1. Find out who is on the ward on bed rest with you—invite them to your room or meet for coffee.
  2. Attend the groups held on the ward—e.g. Cooking (Mondays), Mum’s Connect (Tuesdays), or craft with the volunteers (Wednesday and Thursdays).

Baby preparation

  1. Watch birthing and parenting videos with your partner, or attend education talks on the ward.
  2. View online catalogues or do some online shopping.
  3. Read, sing or play music to your baby.
  4. Explore baby names.
  5. Make a list of things you need for your baby.

Be productive

  1. Write down your budget and keep track of expenses.
  2. Review your address book and get it up to date.
  3. Organise your email account and delete any unwanted emails.
  4. Start a family tree to share with your child.
  5. Check your superannuation details and investment options are up-to-date.
  6. Make a list of things that others can help you with, so that when they ask you are ready with an answer.
  7. Search online for recipes you’d like to try when you’re back at home. Compile them into a recipe book.
  8. Look over things such as your car and house insurance and see if you can get a better deal.
  9. Organise scrapbooks and photo albums, including creating online photo books etc.

Health

  1. Write a list of questions to ask your midwife and/or obstetrician.
  2. Research bed rest to better understand the side-effects you may experience.
  3. Try meditation, breathing and relaxation activities. Your occupational therapist can help you with this.
  4. Keep a gratitude journal—at the end of each day write down three things for which you are grateful.

There are heaps of great resources out there—these are just a few ideas to get your started. Remember to speak to your occupational therapist for further advice and information about boredom management, and check out our article on making the most of your time in hospital.

Tags:

Mater Babies
This Year
1917
This Month
942
= one + four

Was this information helpful?

For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

Personal
Was this helpful?
 Security code