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Jan. 26, 2010
In today's fast paced society, most people say they have a hard time keeping up with the
essential tasks of daily life. For those people with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia
(FM) or CFS/ME, everyday jobs like maintaining the house, keeping up the yard, planning
meals and cooking, dealing with the 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.
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. Remember, there is no such thing as "perfect". So
attempting to make 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 possible to save some of your energy for life outside of work. The same
goes for extracurricular commitments, volunteer projects, even overbearing friends and
demanding family members.
Adapt Your World
Many people with FM & CFS/ME find bending over or reaching above their heads can lead
to pain. The good news is there are many ways you can reduce the need for such movements.
For instance:
- 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
- Store cleaning supplies right where you need them
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. Creating a schedule of jobs
that need to be done daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annually, and annually will help you plan
your time much better. 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 & 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 of us with FM & CFS/ME are tempted to overwork themselves on the "good days" to
catch up. This can do more harm than good, especially if it leads to a serious 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 have a friend to call you after 15 or 20
minutes. 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 you carry heavy items.
Downsize
When it comes to easily keeping a house tidy, less really is more. Knickknacks, extra
toiletry items, stacks of magazines or paper, and a huge closet full of clothes equal more
upkeep. Donating or selling items you don't need gives you 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.
Remember that 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. And 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 your needs first, your home can be a haven - even with FM & CFS/ME.
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