Tips to help the boredom of "illness"?
 

I've just come out hospital for the second time in two weeks. Its been made very clear that I am still "unwell" and shouldn't be doing anything but helping myself "get better" and to "recover". I am still on and off hearing things and seeing things and I am trying to recover from SH at the same time. I have therapy and stuff lined up but the time at home is killing me with and I've only been at home about 6 hours. Hospital was a lot more boring but I need to fill the time and can't find very many ways to.

Has anyone been in the situation before?
Can anyone give me any tips on stuff to do (hobbies, tasks, cleaning, etc) to keep my head occupied and myself out of hopsital through stir-craziness?

Thank yoos
April x

Do something new. When I got out of my longest and worst hospitalization I took up Tae Kwon Do and bought a guitar. Now I play every day and it is a huge part of my recovery. What is something you always wanted to do but never had the chance?

. Movie marathon!
. Watch your favourite movie
. Read a new book
. Re-read an old book
. Draw, Colour, Paint
. Do puzzles
. Doodle over magazines
. Browse youtube
. Browse internet
. Search for some online challenges
. Online games
. RYL!
. Practise an instrument
. Buy an instrument?
. Listen to music
. Find new songs you might like
. Play some sports
. Excercise / yoga
. Take a nice long bath
. Pamper yourself
. Make something creative
. Bake something
. Call somebody for a chat
. Clean the house
. Treasure hunt!
. Clear out the attic
. Google a topic that interests you
. Research new things
. Naptime!

Are there any day centres or support groups near you? It would be a chance to meet people and get out the house in a supportive atmosphere :-)

Look at groups and courses by mind.
Day hospital.
Get some art materials and be creative.
Learn to knit.
Volunteer somewhere.

Wow. Eccentrics! I'm going to print your list out!

I'd also add - coffee shops help me. I can buy a mug of tea, take a seat and be around people but without the stress of having to be sociable. I also find that being in public keeps me grounded and helps me to feel more normal.

You can do a lot of Eccentrics suggestions in a coffee shop - though maybe not taking a bath or doing yoga! ;)

I find this very helpful too. The guy in Starbucks knows my drink off by heart now, which is cool, because being out is keeping me 'on a level.'

I learnt to knit when I was in a similar situation - it takes time and at first a lot of concentration (so it occupys you) and there are always different stitches to learn. You also feel like you've accomplished something at the end when you've made a scarf or blanket or something. So maybe you could try that?

Wow. Thanks everyone =) x

Late suggestion, but volunteering is good. :)

as well as the usual distractions staying away from house helps
keep your mind and body active
for example instead of just sitting around all day watching telly do something useful like house chores, cleaning bedrooms
then take your laptop if you have one or your favourite book to your local costa/starbucks or favourite coffee shop and stay in there for a few hours that way you feel like your with people, although if you depression worsens when your alone in a coffee shop like mine does then its not such a good idea. Maybe invite a friend, neighbour or family member out for an hour or so if that helps. But please keep yourself busy.

Doing something with animals always keeps me really grounded.
When I got out of hospital I went to ride horses almost every day and that really helped me to get better. Next time I was ip they even let me out on some days to go and ride our horse.

I agree with Laura, animals can be very helpful in recovery. I find if I can't get out bed for myself I can for my pets. Some pets need several things doing for them a day and this helps pass time as does playing with them. Cuddling an animal can also be very therapeutic.