Light entertainment

A hospital stay is probably not the best time to try to tackle “Infinite Jest.” To occupy your mind, bring along something you enjoy — whether it’s a magazine, coloring book, crossword puzzle, knitting, or cross-stitching supplies — that won’t be overly strenuous.

If you have a spare phone, tablet, or hand-held gaming console at home, load it up with games, movies, music, audiobooks, podcasts, comedy specials, or whatever you think will bring you joy. Just don’t forget the chargers. A high-capacity power bank, an extension cord or surge protector, and extra-long charging cables are also useful in case outlets are out of reach. (Here are Wirecutter’s recommendations for the best fast chargers and accessories.)

Anything that will let you sleep

“Sleeping is always one of the most difficult aspects of being at the hospital,” Ms. Goyer said. “And it’s awful because getting good rest is so, so crucial for healing.”

She recommends lavender room spray or lavender essential oil with a diffuser, since lavender aromatherapy may help improve sleep and reduce anxiety (although scientific evidence is inconsistent on either claim, according to a 2014 Cochrane review). At the very least, it probably smells nicer than hospital air. A travel pillow can be useful if you need to sleep while propped up, and an eye mask, earplugs, and headphones can help block out beeping and blinking from medical equipment. If you have a private room (and if it won’t disturb your nurses and doctors), you could also bring a white noise machine (we recommend the LectroFan) or a Bluetooth speaker (our favorite is the UE Wonderboom 2) to play soothing sounds or music.

Think about how you or your loved one likes to sleep at home, Ms. Goyer said: “If they’re used to falling asleep with the TV on, let them do that. Whatever works.”

Surprisingly good snacks

Most hospitals have cafeterias and vending machines, but the food can be bland, unimaginative, and in some cases, unhealthy — especially if you’re eating it day after day. Your favorite nutritional snacks — whether it’s a bottle of cold-pressed juice or a tin of fancy tea bags — can go a long way toward making you or a loved one feel better. Just be sure to run any snacks by hospital staff, since most hospitals have restrictions on outside food and drink.

Some treatments leave a bad taste in patients’ mouths, so pack mints or gum to keep your mouth feeling fresh. And don’t forget a water bottle or tumbler to stay hydrated, which is crucial for healing.