Depending on the type of work done, your doctor might recommend that you stay immobilized for a few days following surgery. Kicking back on the couch and channel surfing may be fun for a while, but we compiled a list of activities to keep you and your loved ones entertained following an operation.
Activities for Children
- Board games – Play your child’s favorite board game or start a new family tradition by playing some new games.
- Read to them – Grab their favorite book and read a few chapters to them throughout the day, or plan ahead and get their favorite book on tape.
- Rent a movie – Fire up Netflix or run to the store to pick up the latest action-adventure or comedy flick.
- Cook their favorite meal – A child’s favorite meal can help take their mind off of their rehab. Ice cream for dessert doesn’t hurt either!
- Craft time – Dust off the craft supplies and spend some time making art projects with your kids. Consider making a bracelet to go around your child’s cast.
- Video games – Rent a new video game for your child.
- Write about their experiences – Have you child start a journal about their surgery. Have them write about their pre and post-op experiences. It will be fun to read later in life.
- Learn an instrument – Now may be a perfect time for your child to learn to play the guitar.
- Puzzles – From crosswords to jigsaws, puzzles will make the time fly by.
- Card games – Play a card game with your child, or teach them how to play Solitaire.
Activities for Adults
- Board games – Grab your favorite game and ask the family to have a game night.
- Read a classic – Reading your favorite book is enjoyable, but give one of the classics a try, like Moby Dick or the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Catch up on your favorite shows – Rent a few seasons of your favorite TV show and catch up on old episodes.
- Learn something obscure – Become an expert on something exotic or ancient, or check out the “Random Article” link on Wikipedia.
- Relax – Simply enjoy the peace and quiet, or put on some soothing music and kick back.
- Learn new computer skills – Grab your laptop and learn how to Skype or create a new social media profile.
- Puzzles – Try to complete that 10,000 piece puzzle or the New York Times crossword.
- Find some new recipes – Look for new recipes to try when you’re back on your feet.
- Download a new app – Have an iPad or smartphone? Find a new app to help pass the time.
- Blog about your experiences – Odds are you did some research before you had your surgery, so write about your experiences for others who may face the same procedure. Letting others know about your process will help put them at ease when faced with a similar operation.