How to Survive Bed Rest

Bed rest can be a challenge for anyone. Your doctor may order bed rest for several days, weeks or in rare cases, months for a medical condition. Often pregnant women are put on bed rest because they are suffering from high blood pressure, bleeding or early contractions. If you are ordered on bed rest, there are ways to handle it without losing your mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Organize your household. You will have to ask for help from your family members. Assign chores to your children and request that relatives run any errands that you need to get done.
2. Figure out your finances. You may be entitled to receive disability benefits while you are on bed rest.
3. Get your space organized. You want to get everything you need within arm's reach. That includes your computer, the remote, books, water and anything else you will need throughout the day.
4. Keep busy. The hardest thing about bed rest is that boredom tends to set in early. If you plan your day with a lot of activities it will help you adjust better. Shop online, write in a journal or join a book club to keep yourself occupied.
5. Decide on your meals. You may ask friends to prepare some easy to heat casseroles or rely on takeout food.
6. Join a support group. If you are having a particularly difficult time handling bed rest, look online for others that are in your same situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you check with your doctor about how confined you must be during bed rest. Some people are able to work from home while on bed rest.
• It is important to explain to your children the reason that you are on bed rest. Be honest and answer any questions that they may have.