How to Make a Hospital Stay Enjoyable

1. Let friends and family know you are going.

• It makes time pass much more quickly if you have visitors. And it is nice for people to come and show their support and love. The more people you tell, the more visitors you have. However, be careful to turn visitors away if you need rest or sleep. Don't forget you are in the hospital for recovery!

2. Bring some of your own clothing items.

• Bring a cozy robe, sleep outfit and slippers. It is nice to have comfortable items that make you feel more at home while you are there. Above all else, make sure to bring your favorite pair of slippers!!! Having your own comfortable slippers will make you feel more at home.
• Have several clean clothing items that you can change into. Wearing dirty or sweaty clothes will affect your mood. And it is also much nicer to wear your own clothes than the ugly hospital robes they provide!

3. Be friendly with the hospital staff.

• Try to be-friend the hospital staff (doctors, nurses and staff). While you may not be in the mood to be friendly with them, you should always treat them with respect. They need to deal with a lot of people who are in pain and in need of attention, so it is important to realize that they do not always have the time to constantly monitor you.
• If you are insensitive or needlessly demanding the nurse's time, then they might not be as responsive when you really are in need of their immediate attention.
• Many nurses act cheerfully in an effort to make you feel better. For some this really works. Try act as happy and cheerful as possible yourself, (no matter how grim the situation); you may find that attitude can influence how pleasant your time is as well as speed your healing. *A good attitude will help you to get along better with the staff; as a result, you will likely receive better service and care from them.
• Note: if you think you are not receiving quality care, or your safety is in jeopary, DO NOT HESITATE to speak to a senior person in the hospital: express your concerns and ask for a new nurse.

4. Have activities that will keep you entertained.

• The time will go faster, and you will be less likely to focus on your situation if you have stuff to do.
• Read books, magazines, newspapers
• Listent to books on tape, music, meditation CDs
• Watch movies, documentaries, etc. Consider bringing a personal dvd player can also be useful, as it allows you to watch movies without disturbing others.
• Play cards, puzzles, cards and other games you enjoy.
• Think of this as a time to expand your intellect!

5. Move around!

• Walk, walk, walk! If you are allowed to, try and walk throughout your floor as much a possible. Besides a good way to pass the time, it is a very beneficial activity that can lead to faster recovery after surgery, and get you eating and drinking again sooner.
• Even if there is some pain, you can go at a slow pace, and there is no distance you must do. Try and go a bit further each day though, so that you can constantly improve your recovery. If you have just had surgery, especially in the abdomen, it really helps to walk holding a pillow over the area of incision. This will protect the area and minimize discomfort from walking.
• Move around and explore other parts of the hospital. You may even meet some interesting people who can share your frustrations of bring ill. You may even be inspired by much of the courage and strength that is out there!