9 ways to make your hospital stay more enjoyable

A hospital stay might not be on your bucket list, but that doesn't mean it needs to be an uncomfortable experience.

A little preparation can go a long way, especially if you're heading in for treatment or an operation. Here are 9 tips you can try to make your time in hospital a bit more enjoyable.

Your hospital stay is a time for rest and recovery, and your comfort and wellbeing should be a priority. Before your visit, make sure you pack all your essential items, including:

• comfortable clothing
• medication and toiletries
• non-perishable snacks
• devices and chargers
• important documents like your ID.

If you’re staying in hospital for a while, it’s also worth packing some things to keep yourself entertained. Your hospital stay can be an opportunity to relax with a good book, or binge a podcast or a TV series without the guilt! Just don’t forget to pack your headphones.

While things like fly fishing and horseback riding are out, there are a range of fun hobbies you can take up (or master) from the comfort of your hospital bed. This might include knitting, crocheting, origami or drawing.

You might also keep your mind engaged by reading books, learning a new language, or solving crosswords. Think about how you'd like to spend your time, then plan ahead so you can get the most out of it.

Your hospital stay can be an opportunity to unplug for a little while, and there's nothing wrong with having a digital detox. But it can also help to stay connected while you're in the hospital.

Setting up a group chat or arranging video calls with loved ones are great ways to stay social and feel supported, whether you're gearing up for treatment or in recovery.

Some people love hospital visitors, while others may prefer to recover in peace. Remember, this is your time, so it's important that you move at your own pace.

If you feel like visits are getting in the way of your recovery, it's important to set boundaries in a polite but firm way, communicating the times when you are or are not available to see visitors.

The food you're served in hospital will be nutritious and ideal for your recovery. But (let's face it) it's probably not going to be as good as a home cooked meal.

There are a few ways to level up the experience, though. You could bring some of your favourite condiments and some healthy snacks from home, or enlist friends and family to bring you a homemade treat every now and then. Some hospitals will also let you order your own food online, but it's important to check with staff before you do this.

It's important to keep your body moving if you can. This will help keep up your muscle strength and flexibility while your body heals.

It's essential to build up gradually when exercising in hospital, and to talk to your treating team before trying anything out. Some light exercises that you can do from your bed which they may recommend include:¹

• ankle circles (to promote blood flow)
• gentle stretches or arm raises
• deep breathing exercises (to improve lung function)
• short walks around the ward (if and when you're ready).

A hospital stay can be a bit jarring, especially if you're admitted for more than a few days. It can help to try to structure your time and get into a routine.

While rest and recovery should be your top priority, keeping to a normal schedule (even if pared back) can help you get the most out of your time off. Consider structuring your days with light activities, like doing any stretches or exercises recommended by your treating team, napping, reading or meditating. And make sure you stick to your normal sleeping routine to ensure you get a proper rest each night.

It's normal to feel stressed after a medical procedure or treatment. While you're in the hospital, you need to take care of both your body and your mind.

Mindfulness techniques such as breathwork and meditation can help you manage negative emotions. Box breathing, for instance, is a simple way to regulate your breath and could help you feel more relaxed. Best of all, it can be done from anywhere, including your hospital bed. To box breathe:

1. Breathe in deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
2. Hold your breath for another 4 seconds.
3. Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
4. Wait, without breathing, for another 4 seconds.
5. Repeat!

When it comes to your health, you're usually your own best advocate. If you experience any pain or discomfort during your hospital stay, or if your environment is affecting things like your sleep or mental wellbeing, it's important to flag this with hospital staff or your treating team.

Clear communication about your health needs helps to ensure you and your caregivers can work together to get you back to normal life as soon as possible.