I’ve been stuck in bed for several years now and I’m running out of ways to occupy myself. I used to be a big reader and gamer, but my cognitive cloudiness and exhaustion have reached a point where I can’t keep up with plots. I’m scheduled for a surgery soon that should provide relief, but in the meantime, the lack of activity is driving me nuts. I’d love any suggestions for series, games, or other pastimes that aren’t too mentally taxing but can keep me occupied for hours. YouTube channel ideas are also very welcome.
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Resident Alien is a go-to for me when I need something comforting. It’s silly enough that if you lose focus for a bit, it’s not a big deal, or you can just go back and see what you missed.
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Have you tried watching Let’s Play videos? I’m in a similar boat where I enjoy gaming but lack the energy to actually play, so watching others is a great alternative. It gives me a bit of that feeling of achievement and dopamine by proxy. If you prefer more mature but relaxed creators, Cohhcarnage and Lobosjr are great choices. Additionally, I’ve revisited the Arrowverse recently; there’s an enormous amount of content if you dive into Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow. They can be a bit corny, but they’re entertaining if you like superheroes. Most of them are still available on Netflix.
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I spend my time crocheting blankets for donation to funeral homes and groups supporting grieving families. I usually put on a documentary to keep my mind engaged while my hands stay occupied with the yarn.
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Better Off Ted is a quirky workplace comedy with a bit of a surreal vibe. The characters are eccentric but likable, and the sitcom style makes it easy to follow even if you drift off. Taskmaster is another great one—it’s a UK show where comedians compete in bizarre challenges, like creating a self-love song or painting portraits under ridiculous constraints. You can find all the episodes on YouTube. For something more dramatic but still uplifting, I recommend Once Upon a Time, which explores fairy tale characters living in our world due to a curse.
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I’m currently in the middle of a rewatch, but I think ‘The Good Place’ would be an excellent choice for you.
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Try doing diamond art while you have something playing in the background! I’ve found that sitcoms or familiar shows work well for this, though podcasts and music are also good options. Diamond painting feels creative without being difficult, and it’s a mindless way to make the hours go by.
How about ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ Boredom and sadness are the worst, so hopefully their improv can give you a good laugh.
Gaming options: Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing (there’s a new update coming out on the 15th!), Undertale, or Suika Game if you just want to stack fruit. For YouTube, I enjoy commentary and reaction videos like Roly (piercing and tattoo fails), Luxeria (beauty and reality TV reactions), and Dr. Mike (a physician who reviews medical dramas). Smosh and Molly Burke (who focuses on disability advocacy) are also great. For TV, I stick to low-stress or familiar shows like Adventure Time, Supernatural, or Doctor Who so I don’t have to focus too hard. I hope this helps! Sending you lots of support and warm wishes. Dealing with chronic illness and brain fog is incredibly tough, and I hope you find some relief soon.
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I really relate to your struggle. I was a constant reader, but now I forget the start of a sentence before I even finish it. As a former high school English teacher, reading was central to who I was, and losing that has been devastating. It’s so frustrating that I’ve almost stopped trying, which leaves me bored and feeling useless. I’m sending you lots of love and strength.
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