Not only has music become a regular self-care practice for me when undergoing dialysis. There are two other pastimes that I have managed to assimilate into my regular activities when at my treatment, those of reading and listening to podcasts.
When I began my treatments, I wasn’t sure how much I’d be able to do. I knew my mobility would be somewhat restricted while being connected to the dialysis machine, but didn’t have an accurate assessment of what would be possible for me. Initially I hoped I might be able to use a laptop so I could use the time productively. I had dreams of catching up with all the work that never seems to get done.
The very first time I had dialysis I realized that simply wasn’t going to happen. With my left arm connected to the machine and having a blood pressure cuff on my right arm, my ability to move freely enough that I could operate a laptop wasn’t an option. At least, not for me. So I began to explore other activities that would require only minimal use of one hand.
I worked out that I’d be able to use my mobile phone, at least anything I could do with only the fingers on my right hand. That opened up a number of possibilities for me. I’d be able to message friends, send and receive e-mails, play games, and use social media apps like Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. I’d probably be able to use other social media apps as well, but I’m not connected to any others right now, so I can’t say for sure.
I’d also be able to listen to podcasts.
I’ve been a fan of podcasts since I was introduced to the concept by my late friend Johandre while on guide dog training back in 2016. There are so many shows out there on every subject under the sun. I’m currently subscribed to almost 60 podcasts on topics , ranging from disability, history, business, publishing, professional speaking, diversity, food, and books. I also listen to a few fiction podcasts.
But not every podcast works for me while I’m receiving treatment.
I tend to gravitate to lighter topics and ones that I don’t feel like I should be listening with deep concentration, and perhaps taking notes. So that rules out most of the business, disability, diversity, speaking and writing shows.
That leaves me with plenty of my regular episodes to enjoy. Here are the main shows that I listen to while on dialysis:
- Flesh and Code,
- Gastropod,
- Overdue,
- Phoebe Reads a Mystery
- The Rest is History
- Sherlock and Co.
- What Should I Read Next?
All these shows have a strong sense of entertainment that I find appealing while I’m lying there. They are a great way to help pass the time before I can pack up and travel home. They are also a great way for me to lie back and relax, which is why I consider them such fantastic self-care resources.
The other activity I was thrilled to realize I’d be able to indulge while on dialysis was that of reading. Reading has always been a go-to activity for me, and has become important as a way to quiet my mind and distract me from some of the challenges of real life. Next time I’ll look at the types of books I find myself being drawn to during my sessions. Because, believe me, not just any book is going to work for me in that environment.
