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Nobody wants to find themselves behind bars. Being away from loved ones and being unable to do all of the things that bring you joy can be a stressful, traumatic experience. However, it’s important to keep in mind that, while your time in jail is unlikely to be the greatest period of your life, there are plenty of ways to make it more palatable.
In this post, we’ll run through a bunch of ways to pass time in jail. They should help you extract as much value from your time behind bars as possible; plus, if you’re wondering how to make time in jail go faster, these tips will also tick that box.
Write It Out
There are some things to do in jail to pass time that’ll simply make the hours go faster. But there are also ones that’ll help you develop as a person, too. If you have access to pen and paper, then writing down your experience of being behind bars can provide insights that can make you appreciate life on the outside. Plus, this type of reflection can also help you to make sense of the events that led you to being arrested. Plenty of incarcerated people have gone on to write best-selling memoirs; could you be the next one?
Read a Book
How to pass time in county jail is a bit different to passing time in prison. You’ll usually only be there for a small amount of time, usually no more than a few days if you’ve been granted bail. In that scenario, reading a book might be your best bet, since you won’t have time — and that’s a good thing — to dive into more time-consuming activities. The jail should have a selection of books available for you to read.
Work On Fitness
Exercise is important whether you’re in jail or not, but it’s extra essential when you’re behind bars. Working on your fitness won’t just help to keep your body in tip-top condition when you have little opportunity to go for long walks, but it can also make a massive difference to your mental well-being. Passing time in jail by doing push-ups or making the most of any fitness equipment the jail provides can be an excellent stress-buster, and can also make it easier to fall asleep.
Try to commit to doing an hour of exercise at a time, and the time will pass much faster. After all, it’s hard to think about where you are when you’re so focused on doing your push-ups correctly.
Play a Game
Wondering how to make jail time go by faster? Consider playing a game. The options available to you will depend on which jail you’re being held in; for example, short-stay county jails will have fewer options than jails where people can stay for months. In any case, you should have at least a deck of cards available to you. If you’re in a cell with others, then you can play one of the many multiplayer card games. If you’re by yourself, then you can always play a classic game of solitaire. Depending on your surroundings and how creative you are, you may also be able to invent your own game.
Communicate With Loved Ones
One of the most difficult aspects of being in jail is being separated from your loved ones. However, while you might be physically apart from them, that doesn’t mean that you can’t stay connected to them whatsoever. You should be able to speak on the telephone to your friends and family members, which can make a huge difference to your experience of being behind bars. If you’re thinking about what to do in jail that’ll help you retain a sense of normalcy, then there’s nothing better than spending thirty minutes speaking to your loved ones about how their day is going.
Learn a New Skill
You have nowhere to go once you’re in jail, so why not put your time to good use, and learn a new skill? One easy skill you might be able to pick up behind bars is the basics of speaking Spanish. Some 30% of people in California speak Spanish, so there’ll likely be at least someone who can give you the basics.
Speak to Fellow Inmates
You should always be cautious about who you speak to when you’re behind bars, especially if you’re in a jail that has long-term inmates. Not everyone will be a genuine friend to you, even though they may appear that way at the beginning. However, not only is it possible to make some connections while you’re in jail, but it can also be recommended. It’s a tried and tested way to beat the loneliness that many people feel when they’re incarcerated. By speaking to fellow inmates, you’ll realize that most people are going through the exact same thing as you are — and that by talking, the time in jail is easier for everyone.
Meditate
Most methods for how to pass time in jail involve doing something that will distract you so much that you don’t even think about where you are. However, it can also be recommended to spend a little time diving into yourself and reflecting on your situation. Meditation is easy to do and can be done anywhere. If nothing else, by the time you finish your meditation session you’ll likely feel much calmer.
Complete a Puzzle
A good puzzle can take hours — or even longer — to complete, which is exactly what you’re looking for when you’re behind bars.
Work on Your Business Idea
Have a business idea that you want to get underway when you’re out of jail? Now’s the perfect time to begin thinking about it. Not only will working on your business project give you something to get started with once you’re out, but it can also help you retain a positive state of mind.
Found yourself in jail? Get in touch with Alana’s Bail Bonds, and we’ll help you get out as soon as possible.
