I was going through my list of songs I have written down in a binder and a few pieces of paper fell out. I have no idea where I got them but I thought I would share them with you . They are ideas on how to make life a little easier when you are living with chronic illness. I figured them falling into my lap today was a sign that I should share the information with you.
First and foremost when living with a chronic illness it isn't easy trying to manage the extreme fatigue that attaches itself to illness. This is not the normal fatigue most people experience but much much more intense. So intense it is hard to explain but if you have it, you know what I am talking about.
Controlling fatigue:
1. Pace your activities for the day.
2. Take frequent rests.
3. Try to get a good nights sleep. Yes, this is hard for people in pain but it is possible. Talk to your doctor.
4. Eat a well balanced diet.
5. Minimize stress. This can be tough at times.
6. Remain physically active. Even when you don't feel like it, do it!
Yes, there are those days your fatigue can be so extreme you are unable to do much at all but you must at least try to do a few things and not let the fatigue win.
Plan your day:
1. Pace yourself.
2. Know your limits.
3. Avoid overdoing and then crashing.
4.
Exercise should not cause more fatigue and if it does then cut back a
little. Figure out your time limit and what you can do even if it is
five minutes it is five minutes more than yesterday.
5. Build in rest.
6. Remember to build in rest so you can do your evening activities. Go easy in the morning.
7. Have something to look forward to each and everyday.
Energy Conservation:
1. What's the most important activity for today? What can't wait? What else would you like to do today? Remember what you do early in the day will affect you later in the day so if you are going out at night keep that in the back of your mind in the morning and early afternoon and plan your activities accordingly so you are not to wore out for the dinner plans.
2. Listen to your body. Know when to push yourself and know when to stop.
3. Learn what works for YOU! You are not the same as someone else so do what YOU can do. Never ever try to keep up with someone else!
4. Learn how you can recover. When you do overdo it what do you have to do to recover?
5. Journal your meds and your activities. It is easy to think you will remember when you took your meds or when you did to much but it is easy to forget when you get busy with something. Stay on schedule. Don't miss meds and limit activities. Find a schedule works for you.
6. Put yourself first. Me time. For some reason we think we are not suppose to do this in our society but when you are ill it is a must. It isn't selfish it is self care. You are no good to anyone else unless you are good to yourself.
Energy Conservation at Home:
1. Sit during chores.
2. Delegate to family members.
3. Keep objects you use at appropriate heights and readily available. Who cares if you have things out and it looks a little cluttered it saves the energy you would use to looking for it.
4. Schedule rest periods.
5. Plan activities. Break the activity into parts. Prepare everything ahead.
6. Clean your house in stages. Monday bathroom. Tuesday dust. Wednesday change bedding. etc. You don't have to do it all in one day.
Energy Conservation in Grooming:
1. Sit on a stool to brush teeth, etc.
2. Prop up your elbows if needed.
3. Use an electric toothbrush.
4. Rest in between.
5. Have a easy hairstyle.
6. Take a shorter shower or bath. Make sure the water isn't too hot to cause weakness.
7. Sit down to get dressed.
8. Wear easy cloths that aren't to tight that move with your body for more comfort.
Energy Conservation in the Community:
1. Park close. Get and use a handicap sticker if need be.
2. Avoid peak busy times.
3. Wear supportive shoes.
4. Stay balanced. If that means you need a cane then use it.
5. Use a cart.
6. Plan according to meds.
7. Shop by mail.
8. Small sizes weigh less.
9. Ask for help in the places you are doing business.
10. When you get home unload perishables and leave the rest in the car until you either have the energy to do the rest or someone is home to help you.
11. Ask someone to go with you to help you or if need be call someone to pick up a few things for you ifyou are unable to get out. Most people would be happy to help you if you would just ask.
Energy Conservation at Work:
1. Use proper neck and back support.
2. Sit, don't stand.
3. Avoid eye strain.
4. Take breaks.
5. Use proper air conditioning/heat depending on the time of the year.
6. Check into the Family Medical Leave Act if need be.
7. Take pillows to prop around you or to sit on.
I am sure we all could add many things to this list. Ways we all incorporate into our lives to make life easier for us. What makes like easier for me may not make life easier for you. Just like our disease we are all different. We all must adapt to our limitations. We all must learn to control our disease and live as comfortably as possible. With that being said I am off to take a nice hot shower and loosen up my muscles so I can go do some yoga.
God Bless!
Dianne
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