It may help just to sit near your parrot's cage. A while ago, I had a problem with a pinched nerve in my back, and couldn't do much besides sit in a chair anyway, so I sat next to Ralph's cage, and he was content with that. If I have a cold or other illness, I'll sit with Ralph too. He won't let me doze off, but will keep himself busy if I'm sitting with him reading or watching television.