Is someone you know going through a medical procedure soon? The healing and recovery process can be quite difficult, especially depending on how invasive the surgery was. They might even have to attend physical therapy for a while after being discharged. The best thing you can do for someone undergoing this uncomfortable process is to show your support and care. Keep reading for ideas on how to keep your friend in good spirits while they recover.
1. Send a Care Package
If you’re separated by too much distance or unable to get away from a hectic schedule, try sending a gift. Whether sent to their house or hospital room, receiving a care package will likely put a smile on their face. These are special gifts put together to specifically boost someone’s spirits, usually filled with some of their favorite goodies.
You could go the personalized route, or you could get pre-made care packages. These are usually themed by occasion, like a get well gift after surgery would be packed with helpful, comforting items. They might be filled with soups, snacks, desserts, or even cute mugs with tea. You could also go the non-food route and get your loved one a care package full of their favorite activities. This could include crossword puzzles, books, games, or movies. Just go with what you think your friend would appreciate most.
2. Visit Them in the Hospital
If you’re close enough to drive to the hospital, making the effort to do this sends a great message. It shows that you care about them so much that you’re willing to take time out of your day to see them. A phone call is nice too, but there’s something extra special about a visit in person.
While there, make sure to bring the entertainment — hospitals aren’t exactly known for being fun places with much to do. For example, bring some cards, a craft, their favorite snack, and riveting conversation. Help get their mind off their discomfort with these distractions. Ask them about other happenings going on in their life, like what’s going on with their job or family. Remember you’re there to provide them some brief respite from their current pain, so keep the conversation away from that topic unless they bring it up.
3. Have a Board Game Night
Once they’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll have a little more freedom with what you can do together. They’ll still be in recovery and limited in what they can do, of course, so keep that in mind. One easy-going activity you both can do is have a board game night at their home.
Board or card games can be loads of fun and keep you entertained for quite a while. Bring your favorite games to play together and do a few rounds of each to keep a variety going. Or, you could try out a new game that you’ve been wanting to play together. There are new games hitting the market all the time, so there’s plenty to choose from. Just make sure none of these involve moving around, like Twister or Hullabaloo.
4. Have a Movie Night
Another activity to do in the home is throwing a movie night. All the activity this requires is sitting on the couch or bed, so it’s perfect for someone in recovery. Pop some corn, bring the snacks, dim the lights, grab the blankets, and settle down together for some movie magic.
To lift their spirits even more, go with one of their favorites or your favorite to watch together. Comedies are a good choice for this occasion, but it could be whatever you all enjoy. You could even have a movie marathon, where you watch two or more in one night. This is easy to do if you both like a specific movie series, like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. Even if you don’t choose to go through a series, you can marathon a bunch of movies that make you both happy.
5. Cook Up Something Special
An extra special way to show your care and love for a friend is to cook or bake for them. This is especially helpful during their recovery, too, since it keeps them off their feet. Getting a nice meal without lifting a finger will certainly put them in better spirits. Let them sit back and relax while you do the cooking.
You could make them a nice dinner of their favorite foods, complete with a yummy dessert. If they don’t have anything in particular they’re craving, try for a nourishing meal that will aid their healing body. Make the process entertaining by cooking in a hibachi-style — in front of them, where they can watch. It’s like you’re giving them their own, personal cooking show, and they get to eat the food! Even if you’re not a gold-star chef, the sentiment and helpfulness are what counts.
Give Your Time
The most important way to cheer someone up is by showing them you care. By simply being present and engaged, you’re helping in more ways than you might realize. This is especially true for someone going through recovery because they’re uncomfortable and in pain. You can ease this experience by giving them your time and attention. A little love goes a long way!
