I’m so bored

[N0FunN0M0re]

I should give context. I have a serious illness. I’m getting treatment but in the meantime I have had already years (and still have months to go) of bed rest (which is medically advised) and I’m largely housebound, although try to get out as much as I can.

Often lack the energy to read or look at a screen. (Screen time flares up symptoms and I already have a lot of screen time for work.)

I feel so bored and have no idea what to do to pass the time more meaningfully-any ideas? Anything that doesn’t involve much brain power as I generally feel ill and exhausted.

Really posting here for traffic but

YABU-you can never be bored if you have your imagination

YANBU

Colouring, crochet, audio books, embroidery, drawing... I can totally empathise as I work with a lot of people with chronic illness who are bedbound or housebound but we usually manahe to find at least a couple of low demand activities they can enjoy.

I like to draw. Might have to work out a set up so I can draw lying down 😂

If you are able to prop yourself up on pillows, you can get a tilted lap tray. The upside down trays also exist (they are pricey though) if you are completely supine but then you need to figure the way to prop your arms up as you wouldn't want them hanging mid air.

If you like drawing and painting try painting stones. There are loads of ideas on the internet and Pinterest. I use acrylic paints and pens, then varnish with a clear yacht varnish spray to protect the painting, which you can buy in the pound shop, for example. It's an inexpensive and extremely therapeutic hobby, the hours just fly by.

I’m really enjoying colouring on my iPad with a knock off apple pen. I know it’s a screen but when I had the flu I found it easier than paper.

Another vote for audio books and podcasts too. Lots of naps and recovering. Journaling. Online shopping 😂

English paper piecing patchwork is good op. You can just sew one block at a time. Keep them in a shoe box. Then make blocks of nine patches. Then sew those together to make a quilt.

Or knitting or crocheting wool patches, to eventually make a blanket. Maybe have a look at Woolly hugs on here?

NB pins in the bed are not so good 😁

Thank you everyone for the ideas and support x

You have my heartfelt understanding. I spend more time in bed resting, recovering, in pain than I'd care to.

I've actually taught myself to crochet lying down and even walking. Anything is possible if you take it tiny bit by tiny bit.

Just wanted to link you this very short gif section of introductory basics

crochet-gifs.tumblr.com/post/47964442538/learn-to-crochet-crochet-gif-tutorial-making-a

💖

I love a good podcast. Love anything to do with history, the Cold War and spies. Find well-being ones tough as they often discuss exercise.
Audiobooks. Tend to stick to gentler stuff in the evenings, loved Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder club series.
I enjoy creative writing.
I was also gifted a membership to an online site called Masterclass - lots of lessons from all sorts of interesting people. None of which I can really use in real life but it keeps my brain active.
And I hate to say it but sometimes I watched really naff TV eg Real Housewives!
Oh and I rewatch programmes I loved as a child if I can find them on Youtube.
Mini pamper sessions: I know a sheet mask isn’t going to perform miracles but I have a little kit that picks me up.
What helps me is what I have also learned not to do -
Too much news! Very stressful.
Too much daytime TV. Once you are into the Channel 5 afternoon film, you may as well just give up.
Being the friend who is always available to listen to every problem. If you think everyone is mindful that you are bedbound, think again. I have found some people think you must be that desperate for a chat you will sit and listen for hours.
Comparing who I was when I was healthy, or with those healthier than me now.

And finally an emergency toolkit for the days when it gets too much:
A playlist of my favourite songs
My favourite film and TV episodes that I know every word of (on dark days Nanna from the Royle Family can always make me laugh!)
A friend I can call who understands and knows it’s a really bad day (I don’t make a habit of it!)
A memory box of lovely times in my life and people I feel connected to
My favourite, favourite book

Write your life story. Start by doing paragraphs ... ages 1-3, 3-10. 10-15 whatever, and fill them in as you remember things.

If appropriate, ask family members to send you photos of the time you are writing about.

I really like the idea. I had a lot of early trauma so I might have to be selective on what chunks to remember 😂