No one likes to stay in a hospital.
In other words, bring your own stuff.
This includes:
Bedding.Bring pillows, sheets, blanketsanything thats important to you for a decent nights sleep.
Snacks.Unless youre on a restricted diet due to surgery or a condition, bring some comfort food.
Having a favorite snack or a healthy option can make a big difference in your mood and overall experience.
Entertainment.Dont rely on the tiny television mounted on the wall for entertainment, for gods sake.
Load up movies, games, books, and music on a machine.
The key is to control your environment as much as possible.
A few essentials include:
Noise-canceling headphones and/or earplugs.Hospital rooms arenoisy.
There will also be plenty of noise from whatever machines youre hooked up to.
Having some way to block out that noise is essential.
Sleep mask.Bring a mask, even if you have never once thought of wearing one.
Every time a staff member enters your room to check on your roommate, the lights will come on.
Decorations and lighting.Flowers are not the only decor legally allowed in a hospital room.
Bring framed photos, colorful throw pillows, and any sort of bric-a-brac that brings you joy.
Toiletries.You should bring your own toothpaste, hairbrush, and other grooming and hygiene products.
You might also consider a diffuser of some sort because hospitals can be smelly places.
Basically, bring anything that youd rather look at or touch than what the hospital will provide.
Exercise.If youre allowed, get up out of bed and walk around as much as you might.
If youre mobile, it’s possible for you to probably go to other floors.
Be as mobile as possiblethis will improve your mood and sleep.
Ask for medication.Having trouble sleeping?
Is that hospital bed making your back feel like its made of glass?
Ask your nurse for some pharmaceutical help like sleep aids or pain relievers.
Your request will be evaluated by medical professionals, but theyll happily provide it if its allowed.
The staff will do what they can to accommodate you.
Having a smidge more control can do wonders for your state of mind.
