How to Pass Time During An MRI: The Most Effective Hacks!

As you may know, an MRI scan can go up to 90 minutes and staying inside the MRI scan, still,
in a specific position, may seem overwhelming and anxious. The loud noise coming from the
machine, the semi-enclosed space, altogether a discomfort, right at its thought!

But, as you are more conscious of the scan process and how the accuracy of the scan would
depend on you staying comfortable and easy, you would want to find essential hacks to pass
time during the scan without moving or intervening in the process, without stress, and without
discomfort. Here’s how you can pass the time and stay positive and calm during the MRI scan.

Hack 1: Breath in… Breath Out…Breath In…

One of the best ways to pass time during an MRI scan is to close your eyes, and practice the
basic but most significant breathing technique – breathing in slowly, holding it, and then
breathing out slowly; through your nose with a count of four in each step; in a cycle.

This deep and slow breathing exercise, also called box breathing, activates the parasympathetic
nervous system, counteracting your “fight or flight” response with “rest and digits”. The reduction
of stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) in your body with such exercise is certain
to help you stay relaxed and composed and elevate the accuracy rate of the scan.

Hack 2: Daydream Something Worthwhile

Daydreams are not always a waste of time, it’s worth giving the time! Also called the
visualization technique, this is another significant approach to pass your time during an MRI; but
without tampering with the result accuracy. It’s because all you have to do here is – lie down
still, close your eyes, and visualize!

The alternate world can be peaceful and comfortable to you – whether your past memories, a
specific event of the present, or a visual trip to the future. It can be any place, any period;
anything that you would like to imagine to divert your mind from the noise and the semi-
enclosed space.

Hack 3: Count Numbers in Your Head

Another mindful exercise to pursue during an MRI scan to pass time is to count numbers and
solve various related mathematical equations. It can be like counting 100 to 1 and then 1 to 100
in a row, adding two digits, then; three digits, and so on, multiplying odd numbers, etc.
Some people even recite poems and chant hymns or prayers to divert their minds from the fear
and anticipation of the uncertain scan procedure. It’s basically any deep thinking technique that
keeps you centred around positive thoughts.

Hack 4: Get Inquisitive; Find Symphony in The Noise!

Passing time during an MRI scan can involve any thought that can keep you stay comfortable
and easy while lying down in a position for so long, hence you can bring out the curious mind in
you and think deeply about the noise coming from the machine.

The noise vehemently indicates that the machine is working properly. It comes from the
combination of magnetic gradients, switching rapidly, and electric currents, being subsequently
created in the coil of the machine at high power and speed. Can you hear the symphony of the
vibration – Is it tapping, knocking, or clanging?

Hack 5: Listen to Your Favorite Music If Facilitated

Apart from providing earplugs and noise-cancellation headphones, some MRI centers even offer
facilities to listen to music. Usually, you would get guided meditation tracks to hear, but
sometimes even your favourite music on the play.

Listening to music can help you avoid the noise from reaching your ears and doze off to sleep,
at times. You can ask for blankets if you want and enjoy the music like you do when on your
own bed. This would help you stay more relaxed and calm, empowering the MRI technician to
attain image accuracy faster than before.

Hack 6: Be The Talkative One, the MRI Technician Will Guide

Talking would no way intervene in the way of the scan and you can feel free to talk your heart
out to avoid the fear of uncertainty. The MRI technician would communicate with you constantly,
not just to give you instructions on the positioning and movements but also to clear your queries
and give you immediate attention any moment you feel discomfort.

There would be an intercom system attached to the MRI bed and you can tap on the button to
talk to the MRI technician anytime you want! It would make you feel that you are not alone
there; you have someone to bank on!

Hack 7: Indulge in Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Last but not least, indulging in progressive muscle relaxation exercises can help you pass the
time during the MRI with ease and comfort. Yes, you can mentally perform muscle relaxation
without moving.

The idea is to target the specific muscle groups, be it the feet and toes, lower legs, thighs,
buttocks, abdomen, chest, arms, or neck, tense them for 5 to 10 seconds, and release the
tension. Now hold the relaxation state for about 15 to 20 seconds and start it again! It’s how you
can pass the time, moving from one muscle group to another, and staying relaxed and focused.

Wrapping Up:

While the above-listed hacks are the most significant ones that have helped many patients to
efficiently pursue an MRI scan over the years, they are not the only way. You can apply your
individual relaxation techniques too to avoid situations of anxiety during the scan and pass your
time comfortably. That’s how the lengthy MRI experience would be bearable and positive for
your early diagnosis and treatment.

Your MRI experience can be more hassle-free when you get your health condition diagnosed
from a certified MRI lab with advanced infrastructure and a specialized radiology team. To book
your MRI scan appointment from one such lab in Chandigarh, do not hesitate to hit www.mrichandigarh.com.