What does this topic have to do with decluttering? Well, I think it has some things to do with it – what to declutter from your schedule, your mouth, the things you bring to the hospital, etc.
My husband was recently hospitalized for 16 days. I learned a lot from the experience.
MY TOP 5 TIPS:
ONE: The person you are visiting doesn’t want a lot of conversation, so consider keeping your words to a minimum, and don’t talk about yourself and your problems. The person you are visiting is probably lacking in sleep and under extreme stress. Make your visit short. Walk into the room with a smile. Forget flowers, balloons, cards or gifts – you are the gift, your kind and loving words are the card! Don’t stress out about not knowing just the right words to say, instead ask two questions:
“How are you?” and “What is your body saying about all this?”
TWO: Think about sharing a meal with your loved one. Go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat and go up and eat lunch with him/her in their room. Ask first if they would like you to eat with them.
THREE: If it your spouse in the hospital and you would like to stay overnight with them the first night (I don’t recommend any more than one night), bring a rolling suitcase with some essentials. The essentials for me were some toiletries, something warm and comfy to wear, charging cords,a pen and notebook to write notes about the patient’s condition and something to do. If they are in the hospital for more than one night, you want to get your sleep in your own bed, so don’t feel guilty for doing that. Don’t forget to eat right and exercise and take other measures for self-care. I did not cook at home or do unnecessary things. I dropped all I could out of my schedule; this was my time to create space for being there for my husband.
FOUR: Before your visit, call and ask when would be a good time to come and ask if you can bring anything for them.
FIVE: Be kind and express gratitude to the hospital staff. They work hard and deserve your gracious words. Don’t forget to smile when you walk down the halls of the hospital. There are lots of stressed out people there! Shine your light!