Having to undergo spine surgery of any kind can be intimidating, and with the limited mobility due to recovery, it can be even more challenging to find entertainment. Pain relief, rest and rehabilitation are typically the main focus following a spine surgery, but it is also important to take steps to maintain a positive attitude and stay entertained in the process. If you are in recovery from spine surgery and need some advice on how to stay entertained, here are 7 ways to help you stay sharp and pass the time:
1. Watch Movies, Shows or Listen to Music
Streaming Services
One of the best ways to stay entertained post-surgery is streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Spotify. Each of these services allows you to stream your favorite movies, shows and albums. This makes it very easy to stay entertained while recuperating at home.
Online Radio
If you’re looking for something new and interesting to listen to, an online radio could be the perfect fit. Services like Pandora, Spotify and iHeartRadio let you stream music, live radio and podcasts right from your computer or mobile device. This allows you to listen to whatever you like, whenever you like.
Rent Movies Through Libraries
Another great way to stay entertained is to rent movies from the library. Most libraries offer video and audio rental options, so you can find a movie or show to enjoy. You can even check out books on CD for something different.
2. Get Active With Low-Impact Activities
Light Exercise
While it’s important to rest, light exercise can be a good way to stay entertained and keep your body in shape post-surgery. You don’t have to do anything strenuous or high-impact – simple stretching exercises can help improve your flexibility and reduce pain. These can be done sitting in bed or on the couch.
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and pilates classes can also be beneficial. These classes use low-impact movements and poses to help improve strength, endurance and flexibility. They can be done in the comfort of your own home and can be tailored to your particular needs and fitness level.
Walking and Swimming
If you’re feeling more up to it, walking and swimming can be great forms of low-impact exercise that can help distract you from the pain post-surgery. Swimming is great for the body and mind, and it can help take stress and pain away from the recovery process.
3. Engage in Free Activities
Board/Card/Video Games
Board, card and video games are perfect for those recovering from spine surgery. These games can provide hours of entertainment and help pass the time in a fun way. If you have friends and family over to visit, you could have some friendly competition playing board games or cards.
Brain Games
Brain games like crosswords, word searches and Sudoku can help keep your mind sharp post-surgery. There are plenty of websites and apps offering access to thousands of these type of games, so you’ll never run out of them to enjoy.
Books, Magazines and Comics
If you’re an avid reader, books, magazines and comics can be a great way to stay entertained during your recovery period. You can load up your e-reader with books, or sign up for a digital magazine subscription to have content to read whenever you have the time.
4. Utilize Technology
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a great way to stay entertained post-surgery. With the advances in VR technology, you can now explore distant lands or embark on exciting adventures from the comfort of your own home. You can even play fun, exciting video games with friends or family remotely.
Smartphones, Tablets and Computers
Your smartphone, tablet and computer are also great tools to stay entertained while recovering from spine surgery. They can provide access to the internet, social media, and entertainment apps, so you can spend your time doing whatever you like.
Modern Appliances
Modern appliances can also provide endless entertainment. Smart TVs and speakers allow you to access shows and music, while appliances like a pressure cooker, slow cooker or Instant Pot make meal prep easier and faster.
5. Enjoy Crafts and Art
Drawing, Painting and Sculpting
If you’re someone who enjoys creating artwork, then drawing, painting and sculpting can be great boredom-busters during the recovery period. You can grab some supplies at the arts and craft store, or you can use materials like clay, wire, paper and fabric to create unique pieces of art.
Journaling
Journaling is one of the best ways to stay entertained while undergoing spine surgery recovery, as it can be therapeutic and help you process your emotions. There are many different styles of journaling, from creative to goal-setting, that can be done alone or with friends who can provide support and help encourage you.
Small Projects
Small projects like woodworking, jewelry making, and knitting can also be great for entertainment post-surgery. You’ll never run out of things to do, as these hobbies are great for keeping an active mind and passing the time.
People Also Ask
Q. How should I stay entertained post-surgery?
Streaming services, online radio, renting movies from the library, light exercise, brain games, board/card/video games, books, magazines and comics are some of the best ways to stay entertained post-surgery.
Q. What kind of low-impact activities can I do post-surgery?
Light exercise, yoga, pilates, walking and swimming are all great low-impact activities to do post-surgery. These exercises can help keep your body in shape, improve your flexibility and reduce pain.
Q. How can technology help me stay entertained?
Technology can be used in a variety of ways to stay entertained post-surgery. You can use virtual reality to explore distant lands, play video games with friends or family, access the internet, social media, and entertainment apps from your smartphone, tablet and computer.
Q. What kind of crafts and art can I do after spine surgery?
Drawing, painting, sculpting, journaling, and small projects like woodworking, jewelry making and knitting can all be great crafts and art activities to do after spine surgery. These activities can pass the time and help keep an active mind.
Q. What can I do to keep my mind sharp?
Brain games like crosswords, word searches, and Sudoku can help keep your mind sharp, as can board, card and video games. Reading books, magazines and comics can also be a great way to stay entertained while recovering from spine surgery.
Final Words
Undergoing spine surgery can be overwhelming and it is important to take steps to maintain a positive attitude and stay entertained in the process. There are a variety of activities to do post-surgery to help pass the time, from streaming movies and shows, to low-impact exercises, to crafts and art projects. Technology can also help provide hours of entertainment and distraction from the pain. And don’t forget – brain games and reading books can help keep your mind sharp and provide a break from the recovery process.