Your day inside a mental institution in Florida is going to be busy. You will be busy with therapy, meetings, and activities, in addition to bathing, eating, and sleeping. You won’t have hour after hour of free time, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get any free time at all.
Downtime will always be scheduled into your day, no matter what mental hospital you check into. You aren’t likely to get a lot of free time, and that’s a good thing. You want to make the most of your day by focusing on your mental health, but you can still find downtime activities that will support you in overcoming your mental illness.
1. Read a Book
One of the fastest and easiest ways to spend your free time in a Florida state hospital is to read a book. It can provide you with a way to decompress after a long day of therapy and mental wellness treatments.
Reading the right book can also support your efforts in conquering your mental illness. Consider bringing along a self-help book, or a novel with characters who are struggling with a mental illness. You may find that reading can give you valuable insight into your own situation.
Be sure not to get too caught up in your book, though. Giving your mind a rest from mental health treatment is great, but distracting yourself from treatment is another matter. As long as your primary focus is on your mental health and recovery, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a book in your downtime.
2. Write in a Journal
Writing is a great way to spend some extra time, and it can go a long way in helping you process your feelings towards recovery. Writing in a journal comes with many benefits, including:
- It can put you in a positive mindset for the day
- You can vent your frustrations and worries so that you can better focus on recovery
- You can write down your goals to remind yourself what you’re working toward in treatment
- It can help you relax and unwind after a long day of treatment
If you’re having a hard time getting started, create a gratitude journal where you write down three things that you’re thankful for every day. This is especially helpful if thinking about your mental health all day has left you feeling upset and drained at the end of the day.
3. Complete a Puzzle
There isn’t always a whole lot to do in a psychiatric hospital. You aren’t going to be able to stream Netflix or browse social media. This means that you’ll need to find other ways to stay entertained.
If you’re looking for a way to engage your brain when you’re bored, complete a puzzle. It could be an actual puzzle with pieces, or it could be a crossword or a sudoku puzzle. It’s a great thing to do to distract your mind, and it’s perfect for when you’re alone and want to pass the time.
4. Spend Some Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors comes with many benefits, one of which is a boost to your mental health. It can also restore your focus, giving you a renewed sense of purpose. Moreover, it can remind you that there’s more to life than the mental illness you’re struggling with. That’s something that’s easy to forget during your stay at a mental institution in Florida, but it’s important to keep that perspective.
Any time spent outside will do. Ask if you can walk the grounds during your break, or sit on a bench outside and watch the birds fly by.
5. Get to Know Some of the Other Patients
You aren’t alone when you’re in a mental institution in Florida. There are other patients there too. You may feel nervous about introducing yourself, but remember that you probably have a lot in common. You’re both working on recovery and self-improvement, which already gives you a considerable amount of common ground.
Making personal connections with other patients can be very helpful to your recovery. They can provide you with advice and insight on your condition, and you may discover a friendship that lasts long after you are discharged.
We Can Help You
Port St. Lucie Hospital specializes in mental health services and is located on 20 acres near the beautiful Savannas Preserve. If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with an age-related cognitive decline, we can help. Our 24-hour mental health services are provided by licensed professionals in various disciplines. We tailor our programs to our patient’s needs and will help you every step of the way.
We welcome you to our facility. From support groups to individual therapy treatment options, we are here to fight the battle with you. Reach out to us online today. You can also call us at 772-408-5871.
