I haven't done any hand quilting in a long time, but I've always got some hand applique to work on while I watch tv. Sometimes, I don't even bother with the tv. Just quiet is nice.
When I'm doing hand work or machine quilting, if it's a project that doesn't require me to think, it allows me to pray. Some of my quilts have as many Hail Mary's and Our Father's and Apostles Creed's as they have seams! :D