There are many things you can do during a dialysis session, such as practicing stress-relieving activities, napping, and connecting with loved ones. Not only can these activities support your overall mental and physical health, but some may help protect your kidney function as well.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other conditions that require dialysis often find themselves with a lot of time on their hands during their sessions.

You can fill your time with rest, relaxation, or productivity — whatever works best for you.

During a dialysis session, you might find it helpful to try activities that help manage stress.

Chronic stress is associated with several conditions, including kidney disease. People with kidney disease may have an increased risk of stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and stress may increase the rate at which kidney function declines.

One stress-relieving activity you could try is mindfulness meditation, a practive which typically involves focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

A small 2022 trial found that mindfulness meditation, practiced three times a week for 30 minutes at a time, may help reduce perceived stress and improve kidney disease-related quality of life.

You don’t have to do formal meditation exercises, either. Choose an activity that helps keep you relaxed — reading a book, listening to music or a podcast, or drawing could all be beneficial.

Dialysis sessions, particularly if they need to be done frequently, can disrupt your regular routine and may cause some people to fall behind on their everyday tasks. Some people might find it useful to check off items on their to-do lists during their session.

This could involve:

  • paying bills
  • answering emails
  • making grocery lists
  • planning out the rest of your week or month

If you work and are able to log on remotely, you could consider working during your dialysis sessions.

If you go to a dialysis center for your treatments, check with the center to make sure laptops are allowed. Also, check whether they have secure internet access you can use.

If any of your work involves sound, bring some headphones or earbuds with you.

Fatigue is common in people with kidney disease, and it may be especially pronounced in people undergoing dialysis. If you’re tired, it may help to catch up on your sleep during your sessions.

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, and it may help protect your kidney function. It’s best to try and get enough sleep at night or whenever you usually sleep, but napping during dialysis may help.

A tip: If you’re planning on napping during your treatment, make sure you have pillows, blankets, or whatever else you need to be comfortable on hand. Some dialysis centers may provide these items, but it’s best to check ahead of time.

Dialysis sessions can also be good times to catch up with friends and family by text, phone or video calls, email, or letters.

Anxiety can be very common among people who require dialysis, and social support may help reduce some anxiety and increase your resilience to it. A 2021 study also suggests that higher social support is associated with higher health-related quality of life and cognitive function in older adults.

So consider taking some time to reconnect with your loved ones or strengthen your relationships. A strong social support system can be very helpful for people managing chronic conditions.

If your dialysis sessions happen in a clinic, you might enjoy visiting with people who are also undergoing dialysis. Connecting with others who are having similar experiences may help some people feel less alone, and may lead to lasting friendships that can help anchor you as you navigate your treatment.

Whether you do dialysis at home or in a center, you may also find it helpful to read about other’s experiences with dialysis or kidney disease online.

It’s common to have doubts and questions, particularly if you’re just starting treatment, and finding common threads in others’ experiences may help you feel more relaxed and knowledgeable.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you could also consider writing about your own dialysis or kidney health journey.

This doesn’t have to include medical specifics like your lab results or the finer details of your dialysis treatment — instead, it might help others to know how you’ve felt during your health journey and what has helped you manage your mental or physical health.

This may benefit other people as they begin or continue their own dialysis or kidney health journey.

Online communities for resources and support

The National Kidney Foundation lists several communities for people with kidney disease, those undergoing dialysis, and others. Consider checking them out, reading others’ stories, and posting your story or questions.

You can also check out this article about finding support when living with CKD.

Dialysis sessions can be good times to rest, relax, be productive, or connect with others. It may take some time to find what works best for you; everyone’s experience is different.