Bedrest Survival Guide

I have been on bedrest for about 2 weeks now, and if you have ever been in this situation, or know someone who is, it can be trying. Here is a lost of ways to make it through bedrest breezily, okay maybe not, but at least a little more easily.

1. Read: Still want the joys of books, but can't make it to the library? There is a program offered to homebound people by most local libraries. All you have to do is send in an application and they will send you books in a pre-addressed/stamped envelope. When done send them back in the same envelopes (sort of like Netflix.) Or if, like me, you have a fantastic freind who will bring/buy you magazines and reading material, thank them profusely and count your lucky friend stars.
2. Watch: Which brings us to the next item on the "must haves" for bedrest- NETFLIX!! Instant movies and tv-shows whenever you need. 
3. Eat: While you can't make dinners, you may get sick of take out pizza. Enter Schwans! A gourmet grocery and meal service, with everything from appetizers, to desserts delivered right to your door!! Solves the "what's-for-dinner-tonight" dilemma and is equally as useful once baby arrives. 
4. Pamper: Without leaving the house, you can still feel beautiful and taken care of. Ask your spouse to bring you flowers every now and again, light some scented candles or try one of these self-pampering ideas. Maybe you could get an in-home prenatal massage or have your significant other give you a foot rub.
5. Prepare: Do the low energy sort of preparing like organizing photo albums, make changes to address books, update recipes, or work on whatever other projects that need attention.You can even update wills, have insurance people come talk to you at your house or write thank you notes.
6. Create: Luckily I had recently taken up hand sewing little toys, so this gave me endless time to make little felt creatures for my baby and daughter.You can make cards, write letters to people, blog (of course I did!), or take up a new hobby such as knitting.
7. Schedule: Stick to a schedule. Wake up, eat breakfast, get changed into some different clothes. Make a list of things you want to do, phone calls to make, laundry to fold, so that at the end of the day you aren't depressed by the "what did I do all day?" monster.
   
8. Play: Online games, or your spouse's video games fill endless hours whilst stimulating your brain  and even keeping you socializing. My favorites are Uno on X-box live, Bejeweled, or Pogo.com for fun word games. The Sims are also fun and are available for computers, X-box, and Playstation.

Remember, it won't last forever, and lean on those around you. It's okay (difficult, but okay!) to ask for help.

Love and lounging,
Kerry, the Momster