Ways to Pass The Time On The Toilet

By Michaela

2 min read

I would like to preface this article with a sort of disclaimer: this article is purely meant for humor. IBS of all kinds is a very painful, often debilitating condition we all have. I do not want anyone to think I am making fun of their situation. I try to find humor in everyday situations and this is one of them. I think it’s important to take a break from the seriousness of IBS and have a laugh at it as a way to regain some sense of control over it.

Tips for toilet time with IBS

The people in this community know that most days, we spend a lot of our personal time stuck to the toilet. It can be a huge time suck, especially when you’re busy and time is of the essence. Many of us have figured out ways to make the passing time a little more enjoyable, such as a magazine, newspaper, or social media. But what other ways we can entertain ourselves or even be productive while riding that white horse?

Play on the phone

This one is a given, but let's be honest-we use our phones off the toilet just as much as on. Social media is a huge time suck! So why not use your toilet time as a great exercise in cutting back? Strictly only using your phone while on the toilet will free up your time off of it and make those precious hours (or minutes) out of the bathroom more productive and enjoyable.

Attempt solving a rubix cube

Always wanted to get better at solving them? Being stuck in the water closet is the perfect time! Unless you’re a whiz, one Rubix cube will probably last you at least 1 or 2, maybe more sessions.

Practice juggling

This will make you really good at keeping control of your juggling objects, because if you overthrow, one, you can't move from your spot.

Learn a language

Learning new diphthongs and tongue rolls can help cover the sounds that are coming out the other end.

Watch all of the Marvel films

There are so many movies in the Marvel universe. If you’re like many people and have wanted to embark on the journey but don’t have the time to sit down and watch them all, you actually have that time already built into your schedule! Phones make watching movies on the go (literally) much more accessible and easy to start up where you left off. You can use this time to catch up so you can watch Loki and WandaVision.

Read all of the Lord of the Rings books

Those are beasts to read and will definitely provide plenty of entertainment for a long time.

Learn how to cross stitch/embroidery/knit

If your legs get cold while you’re sitting on the loo, this is perfect! Knit a blanket, and it'll keep you busy and keep you warm!

Plan your run for president/build your kingdom

Toilet time is the perfect time to plan your rise to power. Write your speeches, and perfect your strategies and tactics. Claim your throne.

And when all else fails, you can always stop, drop and scroll. What do you all do to pass the time while on that ceramic throne? I’d love to hear!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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hateibs Member
One thing I sometimes do while on the toilet...if it's taking a longer time than usual is I try to see recognisable shapes in the patterns on everyday items, such as the bathmat, or floor covering. I have that kind of weird imagination. If someone has an uneven wall surface like whitewashed stone or something, that lends itself to visons too! Or anywhere there is a play with light and shade as well as patterns Over time I have discovered interesting faces, faeries, animals of all kinds. But beware, because once you see them, you will never be able to un-see them again! And every time you look at that shower curtain you will see that old lady with a bun....or that donkey etc. Oh I love doing those 3D "magic pictures" too (the ones where there's a boring pattern in colours, and you have to let your eyes go out of focus a bit, then suddenly a 3D image pops up out of it like magic.
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="hateibs" user-id="4146293"/> That's such a creative way to pass the time, thank you for sharing! My in-laws had tiles with water splashes on them in their bathroom and one time I saw a face in these splashes... and was never able to see them as anything else ever again, haha. Thankfully, they've redecorated now. I hope you're having a flare-free day! Karina (team member)
emily Member
Pray. It can get so bad I plead with God! And it helps!! 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="emily" user-id="2296790"/> Thank you for sharing, I'm glad that it helps! These moments can be so, so hard. How have you been feeling lately? Karina (team member)
2. hateibs Member
 <inline-mention username="emily" user-id="2296790"/> I have definitely done that too. I think if anyone knows my belly better than myself, it's God! So sorry you have such a rough time, and hope things get easier for you.
lisaw Member
My cats are like kids, they fight as soon as I sit down, just out of my reach. And sometimes I sit looking around to see what I need to clean when I can get up. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="lisaw" user-id="2312744"/> Oh, that sounds kind of stressful! Although it must also be fun to watch your cats? Mine always fight as well (although mostly outside) and I find it pretty entertaining to watch. Karina (team member)
bhspilot67 Member
 When I am on the toilet (which is frequently...like the rest of us) I engage in a few different activities. Depending on where I am during toilet time, will determine how I keep entertained. When I am at work, I have my phone accessible to keep busy and scroll through my Facebook page, read news stories of the day, sometimes shop, or I will send text messages to friends (they have no way of knowing where I am). At home or wherever else I may have access to wifi, I will do all of the above and maybe even watch You-Tube videos or go on my Pinterest and Instagram pages as well. Sometimes (depending who it is) I will talk on the phone (This privilege only applies to my best friends who are well aware of my situation and are not offended by it and/or my significant other (I only did this with my late wife). Sometimes, I will even take a nap. How I am able to nap and poop at the same time, I will never know. I am always looking for new ideas to pass the time while I am passing poop. (Pardon the TMI)
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="bhspilot67" user-id="2277814"/> Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad that you're able to pass the time like this, at least you can use it to catch up with friends! All the best, Karina (team member)
krken2000 Member
I do word scamble's, crossword puzzles, read dream scope book, read moonscope book😊
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="krken2000" user-id="2311339"/> That actually sounds fun! 😉 How have you been feeling lately? Karina (team member)
krken2000 Member
I am mainly OK. Very few episodes since I had a gut test and take daily strong probiotics. However you cannot control nerves....... 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="krken2000" user-id="2311339"/> Oh, I feel you on this! I struggle a lot with anxiety and it triggers flares no matter what I eat or do... Have you tried hypnotherapy before (https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/hypnotherapy-experience)? I did a hypnotherapy program for two months and it helped me reduce the link between digestive symptoms and anxiety quite a bit. I know it's not for everyone though. I'm so glad that you're doing okay! Did you receive the results of your gut test yet? Hugs, Karina (team member)
krken2000 Member
Yes I received a list of what to eat and what to eat less of and it did help. The company is called Ombre and they have a sale on the test frequently. I am so glad I did it. The con is you are required to auto purchase for the best probiotic price.
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="krken2000" user-id="2311339"/> That's so interesting, I'm glad that it worked for you! Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)

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