Going through Dialysis takes up a lot of time. The average treatment can take up to five hours, with many people needing treatment up to three times a week. Ten to fifteen (or more) hours is a lot of time to fill. Twiddling your thumbs is boring and watching TV might be entertaining, but fifteen hours is a long time to spend staring at a screen.

Fortunately, there are many other things you can do to keep your mind and spirit occupied. You might even come to find that you look forward to those hours of forced relaxation, because they give you the opportunity to do something simply because you enjoy it.

Take Up a New Hobby (Or Reclaim a Former One)

Many people find that an activity like crocheting or knitting is a fine way to spend their dialysis time, giving them the opportunity to make afghans, hats, sweaters, and many more lovely creations. If you aren't sure what to do with all the things you make, offer them to your loved ones for birthdays and holidays. Handmade gifts are special and irreplaceable. You could even start an Etsy shop and turn your hobby into some extra income!

If you aren't into crochet or knitting, maybe it's time to try your hand at cross stitch or working with polymer clay. With all the helpful videos available online through YouTube and other sources, it is quite easy to learn about any hobby you're interested in. You might even discover something completely new.

If you aren't the crafty sort, a good book is always fun. Whether you bring in your Kindle, a favorite paperback, or a captivating audio book, getting swept up in a good story is a great way to make the time fly by.

Express Yourself

Bring a pen and paper or a laptop computer and explore the world of writing. You could start a blog about your experiences with Kidney disease and dialysis, catch up on emails or surprise a loved one with a handwritten letter. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to start that novel that has been bouncing around in your head, or to write a short story to submit to a writing contest you heard about. Even if you just take the time to write down some favorite memories or life lessons for your kids, or to do a little journaling for your eyes only, you might find that once you start writing, you don't want to stop!

Enjoy Games and Puzzles

Playing computer games on your laptop or a handheld device is a great way to make time fly by. If you are a bit technically challenged, you might find a good puzzle book and pen is more your speed. With so many to choose from - ranging from Sudoku, crossword puzzles and Crytograms to Word Search and Fill-it-Ins, you're sure to find something you truly enjoy.

Learn Something New

Your time in dialysis might be the perfect opportunity to take an online class. There are many learning opportunities online, both free and for pay. If your dialysis center doesn't have wifi, you can download material to study or take a book. Get a head start on a class assignment or a report you are required to write.

These are only an example of the various ways you can spend your time during dialysis treatments. Finding activities that interest you will not only help you to alleviate boredom. Feeling productive and happy is the best way to support your health, emotionally, mentally, and physically.