Don't Lose Your Mind

"In my favorite prison movie, Shawshank Redemption," says Ron Humphrey, "Andy Dufresne, the lead character, says, 'Get busy living or get busy dying.' I guess that's what drove me on while in prison; I wanted to live."

When the four o'clock whistle blows, that's quitting time at the prison factory. But what's the plan for the rest of the evening? Five hours sitting in the dayroom watching television? On the outside, we call that being a "couch potato."

For prisoners—who may or may not have a job behind bars—filling in the hours is a priority. Your brain works like a muscle: The more you use it, the better it gets. But leave it in "neutral" a while, and it begins to get rusty. It is very important to keep your mind active while you are in prison.

Get Busy Living

What are some alternatives to watching television? Can you go back to your cell/dorm/cubicle and read a good book? Attend a class over at the education department? Visit the lonely and quiet library? Write encouraging letters to your family? Do crossword puzzles or learn to play chess?

Sometimes fellow prisoners can be your best teachers. "During my nine years in a federal facility, one friend taught me to juggle using tennis balls from the recreation department," Ron recalls.