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In today's hectic society, many people have a hard time keeping up with the essential
tasks of daily life. For those with chronic medical conditions like Fibromyalgia
(FM) and CFS/ME, everyday jobs such as maintaining the house, keeping up the yard,
planning meals, cooking, and doing laundry can feel that much more overwhelming. If
you're having trouble balancing it all, consider the following tips to make life at
home run more smoothly for you:
Examine Your Standards
Many people with FM and CFS/ME categorize themselves as Type A personalities. If
this describes you and you're aiming for perfection, consider aiming for "good
enough", especially on days when you're in pain. A perfect home is not worth your
health and happiness.
Save Your Energy
If your job leaves you with little or no energy by the time the day is done, consider
how you can lessen the impact of your work on your overall life. Could you cut your
hours? Telecommute? Delegate more? Make your work area more "FM/CFS/ME friendly?"
Take every step you can to save some of your energy for life outside of work. The same
goes for extracurricular commitments, volunteer projects, and even overbearing friends
and demanding family members.
Adapt Your World
Many people with FM and CFS/ME find bending over or reaching above their heads painful.
The good news is there are many ways you can reduce the need for such movements.
For instance, try to keep a step stool handy for high shelves in the kitchen or
bathroom. Use a gripping tool to pick up items instead of stooping. Scrub the tub with
a long-handled mop or a sponge on a stick instead of bending over. Store cleaning
supplies right where you need them, even if that means keeping duplicate sets around
the house. Get creative about modifying your world so that it works better for you.
Set a Schedule
It's easier to keep up with household chores if you do a few each day rather than
letting tasks build up and then trying to tackle them all at once. Try creating a
schedule of jobs that need to be done daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annually, and annually
to help you plan how you can ease your overall household load. If you're having a bad
day, don't push it, just move the task to the next rotation or ask someone else to
pitch in.
Get Help
If you were undergoing chemotherapy, you wouldn't expect yourself to do it all. So
why should you with FM and CFS/ME? Don't be afraid to call on family or friends to help
you out when you need it. Consider hiring some chores out, like window washing,
organizing, lawn care, or deep housecleaning.
Work in Spurts
Many people with FM and CFS/ME are tempted to overwork themselves on the "good days"
to catch up. This can do more harm than good, however, especially if it leads to a
serious pain flare. So try to limit yourself to short spurts of activity, no matter
how good you feel. Set a timer so you'll know when it's time to stop, or ask a friend
to call you after 15 or 20 minutes if you need to. On larger projects, work for 10
minutes and rest for 10 minutes, again using a timer to remind you when it's time to
quit. You'll be amazed at what you can get done in such short periods, without paying
for it later.
Roll With It
To avoid unnecessary pain, rather than carrying bulky laundry or other heavy items,
use a basket or wagon on wheels to help get the job done.
Switch it Out
If twisting doorknobs or water faucets is difficult, switch them out with S-hook
type fixtures, which are easier to operate. The same goes for light switches and the like.
Downsize
When it comes to easily keeping a house tidy, less is more. Knickknacks, extra
toiletry items, stacks of magazines or paper, and a huge closet full of clothes equal
more upkeep. Donate or sell items you don't need and give yourself the gift of
a streamlined world.
Be a Stair Master
If you live in a home with multiple levels, take steps to reduce unnecessary trips up
and down the stairs. Keep a supply of everything you need on each floor. Buy
laundry baskets for each level to fill with items that need to go up or down, then
take everything at once. Toss laundry and other non-breakable items down stairs rather
than carrying them. Every step counts!
Plan for Bad Days
Make bad pain days easier to live through by preparing for them in advance. Stock up
on frozen or easy-to-prepare meals. Have some throw-away paper plates, cups, and
utensils on hand. Arrange in advance for extra help you can call on when you need it.
Make Housekeeping Happier
While few people would say they enjoy cleaning the bathroom or doing the dishes, it
can help to make your surroundings more enjoyable if you play music, light a candle,
or even just use cleaning products with a scent you enjoy. Treat yourself well by
taking whatever small steps you can to make household tasks more pleasant. Remember, if
you take steps to put yourself and your needs first, your home can be a haven, even
with FM and CFS/ME.
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