what to do besides nap?

[midlifemom]

I am at a loss as to what to do with myself.
I don't have the energy for much and don't have the concentration.
Games on my Kindle are boring me, tv holds no interest.
Any suggestions? What do you do when nothing holds any appeal?

[cmrl]

Last Winter I did a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle which took me over a month. I also read a lot of light novels, and tried to not deal with any depressing topics. I sat with my 2 little dogs, who now think I should continue to sit with them in my lap constantly. I spent more time on the phone with friends who were being very supportive. I tried to get out for a walk if the weather was decent. Wish I could say I started a great blog or created something special, but I just tried to make the time go a bit faster, since I wanted the nightmare of cancer to be over.
Good luck, I don't know where you are located, but the winter weather doesn't help. At least if it's nice out you can get outdoors more.

[Cb75]

I've started to pick up some art classes and drawing. Its helped a bit. I've also renewed my interest in music. Its hard when all of a sudden you find yourself with so much time on your hands. It does help to distract yourself, do something that you find somewhat fulfilling. I'm also trying to spend time learning about things of interest to me. I used to love school and writing. I'm trying to refocus my attention to positive things, rather than just thinking about this disease and how I am feeling because of it and the treatments. Also, sleeping is important for healing and will help with some of the treatment. But, make sure you do move around and get some fresh air and soak in some nature.

Look at this as a time to explore your interests, whatever they may be.

cb <3

[momof3]

Have you tried any of the "with friends" games? May be a little more entertaining. Books, there are puzzle games on the kindle which are kind of fun. Online class in something that interests you?

[skypup]

I don't know if this will help you, but it has helped me. Each night I make a list of things I am going to do the next day so I don't wake up and go "what now?"

[Deborah614]

this weekend I've watched 6 movies, one after another. It helped to not think about myself too much or dwell on another week ahead of chemo/radiation.

[Steph20021]

@skypup- I like that idea, I think it will help me because if I wake up with no ideas, no pla, no mini goal, then I tend to stay in bed and not feel good about myself.

Lately I've gone back to reading books and this week I'm re-inspired to organize my house corner by corner, drawer by drawer. Maybe I am showing my age but I love all the free youtube that Alejandra puts out on Alejandra.tv.

I try and 1) do something for myself like read, paint my nails, go for a walk, go to a support group or class at the local cancer support place, have a bubble bath, and 2) do one thing for the house- run a load of laundry, load and run the dishwasher, take the recyclables outside and sort them, fold and put away the laundry, toss old items from pantry and fridge, organize something in the office, add items to our donation pile, edge with the vacuum, etc). If I do more than one item for the house and/or more than one item for myself then I find I feel good about myself and what I have accomplished. If I'm not able to do much due to low energy or don't feel like it I don't beat myself up about it, but helps me to have a few ideas.

I think doing a puzzle as mentioned above would suit me too.

I also want to burn a copy of my suggested funeral music, and get more organized and prepared with that stuff to put together an envelope of info and passwords etc that my wife will need. I still need to get my will done and other administrative items like that.

[KWT]

Just get outside! I have a very hard time concentrating on television. So I go out and do something in the yard or take a walk.

[Voxx66]

For entertainment, I read, cook, play video games - ps4 + monster gaming pc + gaming laptop, watch movies, mess about on the net, nap, play guitar, do projects, go out with friends, read, learn new skills, make messes, occasionally clean them up, listen to music, and probably dozens of other things. I have more things to keep me busy than I have time to do them all. I really like it that way.

[Cherie]

i have watched at least 1000 movies since i started chemo

[Carolinabluetec]

Binge watch movies and series on Netflix.

[JJ2212]

Mostly I binge watch TV shows and play on my iPad. But I do try to get at least one productive thing done per day: grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, various appointments, etc. Some of the new things I tried since I stopped working: getting a massage, getting my hair done just for the fun of it, therapy, mandala coloring.

However, the best thing I did post-diagnosis is adopt an adult dog that needed a new home. In the summer, i walk her often and enjoy being outside. During our 6-month long winter, I get to drag her outside for a 2 minute walk and I get to clean up her pee and poop indoors when the forced walks don't inspire her. But I love every minute of it and she keeps me company on those long, sometimes boring days.

Good luck finding out what works for you.

[Raleigh]

Yeah... I feel the same! I too have watched 1000 movies since my surgery. Actually I'm really starting to get bored of watching TV.

BTW if you aren't bored of watching movies... Buy one of these... http://www.amazon.com/Watch-Thousands-M ... s=xbmc+key

I was given one of these KODI edition keys for Christmas and I can't believe how many good movies are on there. The description says its 100% legal... However, I wonder if all the links are truly legal though, cause I've seen a few movies on there, that are still in the theaters... However I've only seen a few like that... Anyway... If you want movie entertainment... Get this key, you'll be glad that you did. I have a Mac and its very easy to install. Its a little trickier on a PC but as long as you follow the video instructions on installation you should be fine.

Aside from that... I never mentioned this on the forum... but, I'm an artist, and I've got a degree in Illustration... I own my own business painting murals, art and faux finishes... I'm just starting my six month journey with intravenous chemo... Just lately I've been pondering the idea of starting a graphic novel or something. I used to write a lot, and wanted to write a novel. Thinking I could take a story I already wrote and convert it to graphic novel format. It would be a hellofa lot of work... But I guess I'll have plenty of time over the next few months.

I gotta start doing something else besides watching movies all the time or else I'm gonna go crazy!

[teachpdx]

What I do when I'm too uninspired or tired to do anything else is to LISTEN to the radio (NPR mostly) or just listen to the TV. It depends on whether or not I want to WATCH something. Sometimes I'm awake but don't want to focus on anything visually. You can also listen to PODcasts or books on CD. I actually sometimes just stare at the walls.

[elise]

I quilted a lot during chemo. Not to thought-intensive and focused on who would be getting it

Most times when I feel blah, I either do something for a friend or take a long bath or shower.