10 Entertaining Things to Do on the Toilet When Nature Calls

Let's face it – we all spend a significant amount of time in the bathroom. The average person spends about 1-1.5 years of their life on the toilet. That's a lot of time that could be put to good use! Whether you're dealing with a lengthy session due to digestive issues or just taking your regular bathroom break, there are plenty of ways to make your throne time more entertaining and productive. Here are ten creative and fun activities to keep you occupied during those private moments.

1. Dive Into a Good Book or Magazine

There's something wonderfully indulgent about having uninterrupted reading time on the toilet. It's one of the few places where you can read without feeling guilty about not doing something else. Keep a small basket of books or magazines in your bathroom for those extended sessions.

For those with sensitive digestive systems, reading material about gut health can be both entertaining and educational. Many people find that understanding their digestive system helps them manage symptoms better. You might even learn about helpful solutions like Casa de Sante's low FODMAP certified products, which are specifically designed for those with IBS or other digestive sensitivities.

Create a Bathroom Library

Designate a small shelf or basket specifically for bathroom reading material. Rotate books regularly to keep things fresh. Short stories, poetry collections, or magazines work particularly well since they can be consumed in brief intervals. Consider waterproof or wipeable covers for hygiene purposes – because let's be honest, bathroom books lead a tough life.

2. Master the Art of Mobile Gaming

Quick Games for Quick Breaks

Mobile games are perfect for bathroom entertainment. Opt for games that don't require continuous play so you can stop when you're done with your business. Puzzle games like Candy Crush, Words with Friends, or quick strategy games can make time fly by.

If you're concerned about germs on your phone (and you should be – studies show phones can carry more bacteria than toilet seats), consider using a phone sanitizer or antimicrobial phone cover. Alternatively, keep some sanitizing wipes in your bathroom cabinet.

Brain Training Games

Use your toilet time to sharpen your mind with brain training apps. Games that improve memory, logic, or language skills can turn an otherwise mundane activity into a productive mental workout. Apps like Lumosity, Peak, or Sudoku can help keep your brain active while your body is otherwise occupied.

3. Catch Up on Social Media (Without Falling In)

For many of us, scrolling through social media has become the default bathroom activity. It's a chance to catch up on what friends and family are doing without the pressure of immediately responding. Just be careful not to get so engrossed that you lose track of time – no one wants to explain why they spent 45 minutes in the bathroom!

Set a Scroll Limit

To avoid the "toilet time warp," set a timer or limit yourself to checking just one or two platforms. Your legs will thank you for not sitting too long, as extended toilet sitting can lead to hemorrhoids or numbness in your lower extremities. Plus, it's considerate if you share a bathroom with others.

4. Plan Your Meals and Shopping Lists

The quiet solitude of the bathroom can be the perfect place to plan your meals for the week. Use a note-taking app on your phone to draft shopping lists and meal ideas without interruption.

If you're following a special diet for digestive health, like the low FODMAP diet, this planning time can be invaluable. You might use this time to research gut-friendly recipes or check if certain ingredients are compatible with your dietary needs. Many find that incorporating products like Casa de Sante's digestive enzymes or prebiotic supplements into their meal plans helps manage symptoms while maintaining a varied diet.

Try This Low FODMAP Bathroom-Planning Snack Recipe

While you're planning meals, why not include this easy-to-make low FODMAP energy ball recipe that's perfect for on-the-go snacking?

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

These no-bake energy balls are perfect for a quick snack and are gentle on sensitive digestive systems.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (ensure they're low FODMAP)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to firm up.
3. Roll into 12 small balls.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 energy balls
Cuisine: American/Health Food

5. Learn Something New with Podcasts or Audiobooks

Educational Listening

Transform your bathroom into a learning sanctuary with educational podcasts or audiobooks. Short-form podcasts about history, science, or language learning can be perfect for bathroom sessions. Keep wireless earbuds in your bathroom drawer for easy access.

For those interested in gut health, there are numerous podcasts dedicated to digestive wellness that can provide valuable insights while you're dealing with your own digestive processes. Learning about the gut-brain connection or how probiotics work might give you a new perspective on what's happening in your body.

Comedy for Constipation

Laughter really can be the best medicine, especially when you're struggling with constipation. Comedy podcasts or stand-up clips can help you relax, which might actually help move things along. The physical act of laughing gently massages your internal organs and can stimulate bowel movements – talk about multitasking!

6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

It might sound strange at first, but the bathroom can be an excellent place for a quick meditation session. You're already sitting down, you're alone, and you have a few minutes to spare. Use a meditation app for guided sessions or simply practice deep breathing exercises.

Toilet Yoga (Yes, Really)

While seated, you can perform simple stretches that help with digestion and relieve tension. Try gentle twists, shoulder rolls, or neck stretches. These movements can be particularly helpful if you're dealing with constipation or digestive discomfort. Pairing these gentle movements with proper hydration and digestive support like Casa de Sante's herbal laxative can create a holistic approach to digestive wellness.

7. Get Creative with Bathroom Songwriting

The bathroom's acoustics make it a surprisingly good place to sing or hum a tune. Many musicians have reported coming up with their best ideas in the shower or on the toilet. Use a voice memo app to record any brilliant musical ideas that come to you.

Toilet Karaoke

If you're feeling particularly bold (and have understanding housemates or live alone), why not turn your bathroom session into a mini karaoke performance? The natural echo in most bathrooms can make even average singers sound better. Plus, singing engages your diaphragm and abdominal muscles, which might help move things along if you're feeling a bit stuck.

8. Master the Art of Bathroom Origami

Turn your toilet paper into an art form with some basic origami skills. From simple boats to flowers, there are plenty of easy origami designs you can master with toilet paper. It's a quirky skill that might impress (or confuse) your houseguests.

Practical Toilet Paper Folding

If you're staying at a hotel or visiting someone's home, leaving an elegant fold in the toilet paper is a small but thoughtful touch. Learn a few simple hotel-style folds like the triangle, the pleated edge, or the fan. It's a tiny detail that shows attention to the comfort of the next person using the facilities.

9. Tackle a Crossword or Sudoku Puzzle

Keep a book of crosswords, sudoku, or word searches in your bathroom for screen-free entertainment. These brain teasers are perfect for bathroom breaks as they require just enough concentration to be engaging but can be paused at any moment.

Create a Bathroom Puzzle Routine

Start a puzzle in the morning and finish it by the end of the day through multiple bathroom visits. It gives you something to look forward to and provides a sense of accomplishment. Some people even track their "bathroom puzzle solving speed" as a quirky personal metric.

10. Reflect and Plan Your Day

Use this private time for reflection and planning. Sometimes our best thinking happens when we're not actively trying to solve problems. Keep a waterproof notepad and pencil in the bathroom to jot down ideas or to-do lists that come to mind.

Gratitude Practice

Establish a bathroom gratitude routine where you think of three things you're grateful for during each visit. It might sound silly, but linking this positive practice to a regular daily activity helps make gratitude a habit. For those dealing with chronic digestive issues, finding moments of gratitude can be particularly important for mental wellbeing.

For people with sensitive digestive systems, bathroom time might be more frequent or lengthy than for others. If that's the case for you, consider exploring personalized meal plans like those offered by Casa de Sante, which are specifically designed to support digestive health while ensuring nutritional needs are met. Their low FODMAP certified protein powders can also be a convenient way to supplement your diet without triggering symptoms.

Remember, whatever activity you choose to engage in during your bathroom time, the most important thing is that it helps you relax. Stress and tension can actually make digestive issues worse, so finding ways to make your bathroom time enjoyable rather than anxiety-inducing can have real health benefits. So go ahead – read that chapter, solve that puzzle, or plan that meal. Your bathroom time is your time – make the most of it!