5 Ways to Brighten a Hospital Admission

Hospital visits that end up going less than smoothly either make or break your spirit. Physical strength comes and goes in the lives of the chronically ill, but it’s our emotional toughness that gives us that mind-boggling endurance no healthy person can seem to comprehend. It is almost like a survival technique your body embraces as soon as illness invades and health fades. Luckily, there are a few things that help me maintain positive spirits.

The most obvious one is listening to music. Hospitals are not known for their soothing sounds. You are either listening to a beeping drip, a snoring geriatric, or even crying relatives. It’s a morbid place and music can fill your experience with an uplifting vibe. If you have a friend in the hospital, send them some music! It really means the world. If experiencing a lack of music in your life, discover new tunes using Spotify’s Discover Weekly. Drain out the hospital sounds and listen to your choice. It’s one thing you can actually control.

Never underestimate the power of flowers. The beautiful splash of color in a monotonous hospital environment does wonders to the fragile and healing soul. I have decided to buy myself flowers every time I am in the hospital. Staring at them improves my mood within minutes. I have received the most beautiful bouquets during hospital visits, which has made me feel so special.

If you are chronically ill, sleepwear is important. I own quite a few different pairs. You need to own at least one pair that is both comfortable and nice to look at. Just because you feel like a monster does not mean you have to look like one in your attire. (This is also a gift tip for all you healthy people with chronically ill friends.)

On the subject of looking good: Do not give up. I am a firm believer in “the better you look, the better you feel.” So, I always look my best when I feel my worst. Ha! Fooled you. Brush your teeth, brush your hair, wash your face, and if you want, put on some makeup. Alternatively, have someone help you to do these things. I always go with mascara because it acts as a great diversion from the death hiding in my tired eyes. This can take you four hours, and that’s OK because you have time. That said, a day or two of self-pity doesn’t mean you have lost — you are just taking a halftime break. And everyone needs a break eventually.

Anything you need, just ask. Do not suffer in silence. Fruit cheers me up, so my mother always brings me a whole lot of chopped fruit, which helps me forget I am stuck in the hospital with hospital food. Also, ask for help outside of visiting hours. The nurses can help you with tiny things; it is their job so do not feel bad about asking or ringing the bell. That goes for doctors, too: You have a right to know everything, so just ask away!

The more time I’ve spent in the hospital, the more I’ve realized the importance of cultivating a positive experience. This is not always possible when my health is playing tricks on me, but these small things helped me feel less terrified, frustrated, and lonely when admitted. As always, never stop fighting, because life is beautiful.

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Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.