how can I cope with everyday activities?

It is important to achieve a balance between rest and activity. There are three important words when trying to save energy, Prioritise, Pace and Simplify.

Here are some tips to help...

Washing and Dressing

• Use an electric toothbrush.
• For ease of washing use a long handled sponge, flannel mitts, soap on a rope.
• Use towelling bathrobes to help with drying.
• Use a shoehorn, slip-on shoes and slippers or shoes with Velcro closures.

Co-ordinate Breathing

• Inhale with pulling, exhale with pushing, bending or during the strenuous part of an activity.
  

Shopping

• Make a list of what you need, before you set out
• Try to shop at less busy times
• Use a shopping trolley instead of carrying baskets
• Go shopping with a friend, so they can help you if you get tired
• Ask staff to help you pack your shopping bags and carry them to your car
• You could try a different way of shopping – if you have a computer, for instance, you may be able to order on the Internet and have your goods delivered to you
• There are services that can help you with transport and mobility. CIRCA, for instance, lends wheelchairs and power scooters so that you can use leisure and shopping facilities.
  

Housework

• Don’t try to do it all at once. Plan ahead and spread tasks over the week.
• If you can, sit down while working. For example, you may be able to sit while ironing, preparing a meal or washing up. An occupational therapist might provide you with a perching stool to use during these activities.
• Ask others to do the heavier work for you.
• Avoid heavy lifting. Drag or slide objects if you can.
• Keep the items you use most often in easy-to-reach places. Avoid very low and very high cupboards.
• Wherever possible use non iron clothes.
• Soak the washing up
• Organise chores by location, avoiding multiple trips.
  

Kitchen Work and Cooking

• Have a chair or stool handy to rest on. Using a stool for kitchen work can save 24% energy
• Organise workspace to reduce clutter and to minimise reaching and bending. Rest your elbows on the worktop for arm activities
• Try cooking simpler meals
• At times when you have more energy, make double portions and freeze some for later
• Convenience foods are useful when you’re tired. Some companies offer a meal delivery service
• Keep your kitchen utensils and ingredients in easy-to-reach places

Children

• Ask older children to help with household chores. They could tidy their own rooms or do the dishes. 
• For younger children, make some of the housework into a game so that they can help (picking thing up from the floor, or dusting furniture).
• Encourage children to try some quiet activities from time to time, such as drawing and reading.
• Ask a friend or relative to look after the children so that you can have a break.
• Look out for holiday clubs and activities run by your local sports centre.