For a busy mom, laying in bed and relaxing may sound appealing, but a mom who has experienced bed rest will tell you it is not all she had dreamed it would be. I spent five weeks on bed rest prior to the birth of our triplets and it was an emotionally exhausting and humbling experience. If you happen to find yourself in the same situation, here are some tips for surviving bed rest.

1. Keep your focus

There are many reasons a mom will be put on bed rest, but most often, it is because of the risk of preterm labor. Focus on the goal, which is allowing baby to grow as long as possible. Reminding yourself of this will help keep you going each day.

2. Keep a record

Many moms find that writing in a journal or starting a blog is therapeutic. Record your thoughts and feelings about pregnancy, as well as what is going on that day. Take pictures to document the pregnancy. After the birth, you will have a record to look back on.

3. Keep entertained

Many hospitals are equipped with free wi-fi for patients to use. This really comes in handy while on bed rest. Catch up on your TV shows, read books or magazines, watch movies, do some Internet shopping, play games on your tablet, scroll through Pinterest, and research the best car seat for baby. Utilize any form of entertainment to pass the time.

4. Keep comfortable

Create a comfortable space wherever you are resting. At home, keep snacks, water, books, and other items close at hand so you don’t have to be up and about during the day. Bring comforts from home to the hospital. Items like blankets and pillows, pictures of family, and any favorites that make you feel more comfortable will ease the time you spend at the hospital.

5. Keep busy

This is the time to catch up on the things you never have time to do. Spend extra time and care on painting your nails or plucking your eyebrows. Teach yourself a new skill like learning to knit or crochet using YouTube tutorials. Finish the thank you cards from your baby shower. Try anything to pass the time in a gratifying way.

6. Keep a routine

Wake up at approximately the same time daily, shower, get dressed, eat meals at the same times, and give structure to your day with planned activities. Keeping a simple daily routine will help time pass and create a sense of normalcy. If you’re working, keep up with your work from your home or the hospital bed.

7. Keep a positive perspective

It is hard not to get down when you see the same four walls day in and day out, sometimes for weeks on end. Take each day as it comes. Remind yourself that this is temporary. Someday the monotony and isolation of bed rest will all be a distant memory.

8. Keep a support system

A strong support system is key to surviving bed rest. Invite friends and family to visit. Having people around to talk to does wonders to raise spirits for a mom on bed rest. If family and friends offer to help by bringing meals, caring for older children, or doing housework, accept the help.

The main thing to remember while on bed rest is that it will end. Each day the baby stays in utero is less time baby will spend in the NICU. Take one day at a time and try to remain positive. Soon enough, you will be holding your baby in your arms.