Spending Time Positively in Prison: Hobbies, Activities, and Coping Strategies
Life in prison can often feel like a mundane and repetitive cycle. However, there are creative and positive ways to make the most of the time spent in correctional facilities. This article explores various activities and hobbies that inmates engage in, highlighting their effectiveness in managing time constructively, enhancing personal development, and maintaining mental well-being.
Positive Ways to Spend Time in Prison
Here are some of the activities and hobbies that inmates choose to do in order to keep themselves busy and engaged:
Group Exercises
One of the most effective ways inmates spend their time is by leading group exercise sessions, usually in the early morning hours. These sessions might take place at around 3:30 AM and can last for an hour. With limited outdoor time available, inmates use books as weights for exercise. This helps in maintaining physical fitness and improving overall health.
Reading and Education
Reading books is another substantial activity in prison life. Inmates use this time to enrich themselves. Reading serves multiple purposes - to enlighten, to entertain, and to prepare for legal proceedings such as habeas corpus hearings. Moreover, inmates often help others who struggle with writing messages to loved ones or need assistance in understanding the language.
Use of Technology
Technology plays a key role in communication and information gathering for inmates. Family members must top up prepaid calling accounts to make calls, with each call costing approximately $3.95 and allowing limited minutes. Inmates can also add up to 10 people to their calling/visitation list. When Wi-Fi is available, inmates can communicate with family members via email. This is a crucial way to maintain connections with loved ones.
Entertainment and Leisure
Inmates also take advantage of entertainment options available in prison. They watch TV, specifically sports and news channels. Entertainment can also come in the form of playing games like cards, checkers, chess, and other friendly games. Inmates also submit requests for movie nights, but this depends on the facility's regulations and schedules.
Education and Personal Development
Some prisons offer educational and vocational classes. These classes can include subjects such as gardening, bricklaying, and computer skills. Although in the present scenario, new classes may not be available since the pandemic, inmates can still peruse available materials and take advantage of the prison library. This helps in personal development and can be useful for future legal proceedings.
Writing and Self-Publishing
Inmates also engage in self-publishing helpful books. This not only enriches their own knowledge but also helps others who may benefit from their experiences and learnings. By doing so, they not only improve their mental state but also contribute positively to the prison community.
Law Library and Legal Preparation
Attending the prison law library is a significant activity for inmates, especially those involved in legal proceedings. Inmates are given limited hours to research and prepare their legal cases. Moreover, inmates read through their discovery materials to prepare for their hearings, which might take several months to prepare.
Additional Ways to Kill Time
Other activities that inmates engage in for self-preservation and to pass time include:
Listen to Music
Listening to music can be a great way to keep oneself entertained. Asking other inmates about the music they are listening to can help align oneself with the prison culture. This can be a great way to broaden one's musical taste and stay informed about current trends.
Play Cards and Games
Inmate activities include playing card games, checkers, chess, and other similar games. It is important to engage in non-gambling activities where everyone puts money into the pot ahead of time. Borrowing to play gambling games should be strictly avoided.
Watch Movies (if possible)
Inmates can enjoy watching movies, but availability depends on the facility. Normally, inmates can submit requests for the next day's movie schedule. Submitting fake slip requests can cause amusement and possibly disrupt schedules for fun.
Exercise and Stay Fit
Daily physical exercise is crucial. Inmates often walk in a circle for a mile every day to maintain their physical fitness. Other ways to stay in shape include staying active in other areas of the facility.
Engage in Conversations and Offer Help
Inmates can engage more in conversations and offer help. This not only aids others but also helps in their own personal growth. Listening more and offering advice can leave a positive impact and foster a supportive community environment.
Life in prison is challenging, but engaging in these positive activities can help inmates manage time constructively, maintain personal well-being, and make the best of their situation.