In order to help your recovery time to go by a bit faster, preoccupy yourself with these fun and engaging activities.

Healing after surgery we finds ourselves focused on managing our recovery and following the doctor’s recovery plan. Another key partner in a speedier recovery is knowing how to handle the extra time you have on your hands. You’re more than eager to resume day-to-day activity. Recovery will take time and it's important not to rush or push yourself too quickly during this time.

In order to help your recovery time to go by a bit faster, preoccupy yourself with these seven activities.

1. Read

Rediscover and indulge in the world of reading. If you're like most Americans, it's been a while since you may have sat down and finished an entire book. Or you’re an avid reader with a reading list two pages long. None the less, there is nothing more escapist and entertaining than reading a book.

Cease the opportunity and travel the world or curl up with a good mystery. There’s a vast offering of free online books from libraries to enjoy using your smart phone, tablet and or laptop. Start by visiting your local library online and other great digital books can be found here:  

• Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks
• Open Library is an internet archive and participating libraries offer a selected digitized book from their collections and are available to be borrowed 

Another great option to keep your mind engaged is to try audiobooks or podcasts.

Give a listen to a variety of books from Audible or seek out a podcast which offers a variety of topics. You can easily get started with NPR.org or Spotify.com.

2. Puzzles or Coloring Books

Puzzles and coloring books have made a great comeback as fun and engaging forms of entertainment. Try your hand at a 300-piece puzzle or give yourself a challenge with a 3,000-piece and invite family and friends to join in on the fun.

3. Knitting/Sewing/Latch-hook/Embroidery/Quilting

Did you know there are many benefits of knitting, crocheting, latch-hooking, and more?

These activities will help with fine motor skills and keeping your fingers and hands feeling nimble. You can choose to do this at your leisure or with family and friends which can help combat loneliness and isolation during your recovery.

Here are just a few benefits.

• Reduced stress
• Better ability to cope with illness (physical or mental)
• Decreased risk of cognitive impairment as you age

Try this How to Knit for Beginners by Joanne Fabrics.   There’s a variety of videos to help you get started.

4. Take online courses

Consider taking an online course in a subject that interests you. If you ever wanted to learn about a topic or learn a new skill here's your opportunity. You can find free or low-cost courses on a number of subjects. Online courses offer streaming on-demand video lectures from top instructors across many subjects.

Here’s a short list though there are numerous online opportunities you can try. 

• Udemy – Over 130,000 online courses
• edX – Access to 2500+ courses from 140 institutions
• Coursera – Courses to learn new skills, certificates and degrees from universities and companies.

5. Try New Recipes

Well balanced and nutritious meals are vital to your recovery. If you're able to maneuver around the kitchen, recovery is a great time to try new recipes or refine a go to meal. Cooking and trying your hand at new recipes help mental health in that it can be a fun and creative outlet. 

6. Take A Virtual Tour

Take a little time to travel on a virtual tour. From your laptop or smart device you can take a virtual walking tour of Yellowstone. You can also enjoy 3D virtual tours of historic sites and monuments from around the world.  

These breathtaking tours are free, and you have the advantage of not waiting in line to enjoy.

7. Write

Whether it's a journal, a book of poetry, or letters to friends and family. Writing promotes well-being and helps process emotions and gain perspective about ourselves. 

Journaling can help your emotional health during recovery. Take a little time each day to get your thoughts and creative ideas down on paper or grab your laptop and start typing. Here are a few journaling apps you may want to try to begin your adventure with writing.  

• 750Words.com - free online journaling tool
• Journalate- online diary where you can keep your thoughts.

• Penzu.com - online diary and personal journal that is focused on privacy

On your road to recovery, it’s important to plan for everyday activities. Take advantage of this recovery period as an opportunity to better your overall well-being and allow yourself to finish your recovery time as a new person.

Here at Church Home LifeSpring we’re dedicated to support our patients to maintain a healthy quality of life.  Contact us to learn how our team can help you during your post-surgery recovery. Wishing you well and a speedy recovery.