100 Things You Can Do While on Bed Rest

Are you or someone you know facing bed rest due to pregnancy, an injury, or recovery from surgery? While I was on bed rest for over 50 days this year, the number one question that was asked of me was “Aren’t you bored?” My immediate reply (almost always) was no. There was so much to do!

Granted, mothering can be challenging when you are not able to move around like you’d like. Yes, the same 4 walls do get old sometimes. Sure, it can sometimes be lonely if you don’t provide ways for social interaction. However, despite all, there is a lot you CAN do while on bed rest to make it so much more enjoyable than many may initially think. Not sure?

Here is a list of 100 things you can do on bed rest if you ever begin doubt. Feel free to share with a friend or family member on bed rest to encourage them in their bed rest journey too.

There is a lot you CAN do while on bed rest than you may initially think.Click To Tweet

100 Things to Do While on Bed Rest

1. Read a book.
2. Write a book.
3. Read and study your Bible.
4. Pray.
5. Snuggle with your kids.
6. Snuggle with your hubby.
7. Record audiobooks for your kids or Librovox.
8. Grocery shop via Walmart pick-up. 
9. Make a wishlist on Amazon.
10. Learn a new language.
11. Listen to podcasts.
12. Snuggle with your pet.
13. Listen to audiobooks.
14. Listen to music.
15. Download and read magazines via your local library.
16. Play board and/or card games with your kids.
17. Read to your kids.
18. Let your kids read to you.
19. Plan your next homeschool year.
20. Clean out your e-mail inbox.
21. Clean out your e-mail folders.
22. Throw a Facebook party.
23. Clean out your e-mail spam folder.
24. Clean out your internet bookmarks.
25. Catch up with old friends on your favorite social media app.
26. Scrapbook or make a photo album using a program like Shutterfly. <affiliate link>
27. Take a nap.
28. Make your bucket list.
29. Paint your nails.
30. Watch YouTube videos.
31. Catch up on the latest movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
32. Take an online course to learn some new (and maybe even earn some college credit).
33. Hand sew, crochet, or knit something
34. Journal
35. Learn a new hobby like calligraphy, origami, or crochet.
36. Organize your recipes. We like using Plan to Eat. 
37. Write letters.
38. Clean out your phone’s contact list.
39. Clean out your voice mail box.
40. Write letters.
41. Clean out your text messages.
42. Upload new playlists to your phone.
43. Download the pictures off your phone.
44. Update all the apps on your phone and delete the ones you don’t use anymore.
45. Balance your checkbook.
46. Make a budget.
47. Draw.
48. Clean out your computer folders.
49. Search Pinterest.
50. Catch up on your favorite social media sites.
51. Color.  Yes they now have adult coloring books for just such an occasion.
52. Invite friends over.  Who said you had to be a hermit!
53. Take a lounge chair outside to enjoy the nice weather or get a sun tan.
54. Start a blog.
55. Shop online. Amazon got a lot of orders from me.
56. Complete some crossword puzzles.
57. Play Sudoko.
58. See how much English grammar you remember with Mad Libs.
59. Learn some card tricks.
60. Plan your next vacation.
61. Exercise in bed, if permissible. Ask your doctor what exercises you can safely do in your situation.
62. Play with walkie-talkies with your kids.
63. Explore the world with Google Earth.
64. Bird watch out your window or while laying on a lounge chair I’m your backyard.
65. Have someone place a big piece of cardboard on your bed and complete a 1,000 piece puzzle.
66. Practice some new hairdo’s…on yourself and/or the kids.
67. Purchase a drone, toy helicopter or similar device and learn how to operate it.
68. Make a list of all the things you want to do when you are no longer on bed rest.
69. Cross stitch or needlepoint.
70. Sort file cabinet files.
71. Write your goals for the next year.
72. Search for new recipes to try.
73. Research exercise programs you can start when you are no longer on bed rest.
74. Practice making shadow puppets on the wall.
75. Play eye spy with the kids.
76. Play video games or games on your phone.
77. Write your life story–a great keepsake for the kids.
78. Christmas shop online. Or, if Christmas isn’t close make an Amazon wishlist with everything you want to get for everyone next year. Then, when the time comes, all you will have to do is order it!
79. Write your Christmas cards.
80. Write an “I’m thankful for…” list.
81. Create a daily routine you can follow.
82. Complete online surveys.
83. Sign up for free stuff online.
84. Write letters or thank you notes.
85. Get a massage.
86. Enjoy aromatherapy.
87. Organize your Pinterest boards.
88. Bead a bracelet or necklace.
89. Learn to play the guitar or recorder.
90. Practice blowing bubbles. What’s the biggest you can create?
91. Figure out the Rubix cube.
92. Complete a Perplexus Ball maze.
93. Teach your kids something new…like how to crochet or play a new board game or how to add triple digit numbers.
94. Go on a TV series binge.
95. Play Solitaire.
96. Cut out laminated objects for a teacher friend.
97. Call and chat with a friend or family member.
98. Enjoy a face mask.
99. Read through your magazine pile.
100. Have a candlelight dinner with your hubby in bed!
101. Research something you’ve always wanted to know more about.

Walmart grocery pickup was a lifesaver for me while on bed rest.  Click the image above for $10 off your first online order!