Just because you're cooped up somewhere due to your chronic illness or pain does not mean that life is over. Actually, it could mean a rebirth into something new , a new purpose or an even more exciting path. It may not seem like that now, but in order to get there you've got to start living again. Here are a few ways to get going, no matter what your condition is.
Subscribe to Netflix or Hulu to watch a season of a TV series that you had always wanted to see. You could also watch old movies or re-watch some of your favorite movies. It's a very minimal cost for weeks and weeks of entertainment.
Do something BIG - like really big. Think of a project or a bucket list item you have never done and do it. Not just the little simple stuff either. Thinking beyond your current reality often rejuvenates you and pushes you further to even accomplishing it!
Read a book – Reading a book can literally take you on a journey. You can have instant access if you have a smart phone or tablet, download the Kindle or iBooks app. There are lots of free books you can download. Sometimes you even have the option to listen to the book or you can find books on CD for those times you would rather listen than read.
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Do Something for someone else (just because) - nothing brings a bigger smile on other people's faces than when they receive something or get something done for them without expecting anything in return. So maybe pay for someone's lunch in line behind you. Send a get well letter to a random person at the hospital. Create a gift basket for an overworked nurse. Whatever it is, do it for someone else. You'll get a smile too.
Open up a Pinterest account and start pinning away. Pinterest allows you to create collections of your favorite ideas on different boards. We love Pinterest!
Do something new – if pain is limiting you in some area(s), try something new like adult coloring books, sewing, painting, photography, singing, playing an instrument, learn a new language, etc.
Create a playlist for your go to music or if you already have one, add music to your playlist. Create a few playlists to go with your mood, maybe adding an inspirational list for those days you need a pick me up. Amazon Prime Music has a free 30 day trial going on and they have a wide variety of music.Call an old friend or a family member you haven’t spoken with for a while and catch up with them. If you don’t want to call them write an email, send a thinking of you card, or a letter to them. Even if you don't think they want to hear from you, nine times out of ten, they do.
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Sit outside for a while get some fresh air and some sunshine. Being cooped up inside can only do so much. Research has shown that many people need to just get outside and breath natural air from time to time. Also the healing power of the sun can re-energize you too.
Try a new recipe – There are tons of recipes online, anything from desserts to main dishes.
Create online photo albums of all your digital prints with Shutterfly.com, Snapfish.com, or any other online photo service. These can be shipped right to your house. I have used Walgreen’s photo. They offer a ton of photo options and they seem to always have online coupons/codes which makes it very inexpensive and the quality is great.
Write It All Out - One great form of therapy in many different conditions is writing. It's both theraputic mentally and physically. If you don't feel like writing about what you are going through, feel free to use your creative energy and make up a story or two.
Contact your favorite celebrity - no seriously, you should! It may take a little research, but those celebrities you may have or had a crush on are reachable if you have enough patience. From the President to your favorite comedian, find their contact information online and by calling a few places and send them a letter and/or email. It'll be fun to get a response back wouldn't it?
Although we may not be able to do all the things we used to, we can still find enjoyable activities to do when chronically ill or with a chronic pain condition. The possibilities are endless, you will just need to find hobbies that appeal to you and then cater them to fit your illness or pain level.
Originally posted here.
