How Do You Entertain Yourself In The Hospital?

Following a hospital admission for a COPD exacerbation, you may reach a point of recovery where you're feeling better, yet still have to remain in the hospital.

Passing the time while in the hospital

You will need something to entertain you. So, what is some good entertainment for your hospital stays? Let’s discuss.

Television

Back in the day, aside from visitors, this was all the entertainment available. You sometimes even had to pay $5 a day to access the TV.

Even though hospital TVs now offer many channels and are included in your room charge, you're still limited to whatever's airing.

Your electronic device

Nearly all patients these days bring in their cellphones. These can help communicate or keep in touch with just about anyone.

Although more and more patients bring their iPhones and other electronic devices, such as laptops, Chromebooks, or tablets.

These are useful for so many things, such as playing games, watching a TV series, or a movie of your choice. We also see a significant number of people playing video games now.

Of course, there is also music. Therefore, electronic devices offer numerous entertainment options!

Don't forget your charger!

If you forget to pack your iPhone charger, I’m sure we can find one for you to borrow.

I would be happy to loan you mine if you have an iPhone. For other electronic devices, it’s a guess if we have a charger for them.

So, it’s probably a good idea that you don’t forget it!

Favorite hobbies

Many people bring in something they enjoy doing or one of their hobbies if it's easily moveable. I see a lot of ladies knitting things.

Very few people bring adult coloring books, markers, or colored pencils. Some people bring in paper, and they draw things.

Crossword puzzles

The crossword puzzles in newspapers entertain some patients. Some patients bring in books. I’m always impressed by people who can complete crossword puzzles. It’s something I was never good at.

Games

Some people bring decks of cards and play games like solitaire. Although sometimes I see, patients play card games with their family members or friends.

I have, at times, played card games with patients. I can’t remember what games I played with them, though.

I know some patients bring in a book of Soduko, which seems to entertain them for hours.

Reading

I see lots of novels in patient rooms. Often, this sparks a conversation, especially when they have books by authors I read.

I don’t see as many magazines nowadays, at least now that these are available on our electronic gadgets.

I do see some magazines around. I also see lots of Bibles or other religions reading material.

Origami

I had one patient a few months back who made origami. This is where you make things by folding paper. This is something I’ve never been good at.

Still, this patient would make all sorts of things, from wolves to dragons and he handed them out to anyone who came into his room.

Accomplish some household responsibilites

I once spent a hospital day balancing my checkbook. You could also take the time to cancel subscriptions you don’t use.

You could pay your bills. Some patients list things they want to accomplish when they get out. Or you could plan a vacation.

Hopefully, you never need to be admitted to the hospital but if you are maybe this list will give you some ideas on how to stay entertained!