Adjust During Chores

When Overwhelmed, Start Small

Image Courtesy of [debspoons]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I think it it is perfect that debspoons obviously
 understands the frustration often felt by spoonies.  

I am in the embarrassing place of being absolutely unsure of where to start this week.  This is so hard to admit when I am the author of a blog that is full of ways to get going.  My "goer" is not on easy access right now.  I am so tired of being fatigued, and things that were easier for me before I got sick are heavy burdens at this time.  

Sometimes, I wonder if I should tell you these kinds of truths, because I am here to encourage you;  however, I promised to be honest.  So, the truth is I have been having a hard time taking the baby steps and keeping them up.  I am a human with a chronic illness, just like the majority of people that read this blog.  Getting things done at my house can become overwhelming for me too.  

It's not that I have done nothing, because I have.  I look around me at the mess that has accumulated again  ( thought I had it nailed), and it makes me feel like I am starting over, even though I know it's not true.  What is true is that living in clutter brings down the spirits of the people in the disorderly house.  It is worse for people that are confined to their houses for long periods of time. Moreover, it is no fun coming home to a messy house. 

Right now, I am groping for a place to start.  I'm even surfing the internet for ideas.

The good news is I did shine my kitchen sink today.  And, that felt really good.  I want to replace the splash guard behind the sink too, but I feel guilty doing that when I have many other things that need doing.

The statement below comes from "Pro Organizer Tips:  What Not to Do When Decluttering Your Home."

Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew. "Do not set aside an ENTIRE day to organize your WHOLE house. Very few people have the energy and/or focus to spend 8 hours organizing. You'll likely become frustrated and less efficient as the day progresses. It's much better to spend a few hours -- 2 or 3 -- on one project or space. This way you'll feel motivated to do more, not burned out by the process." 

See:  not even all healthy people can do the whole house.  The following list is for me, just as much for you.

1. You need to evaluate what room you need clean first.  
2. Think PUPA (Pick up, put away). 
3. Then, use a timer for 5 to 15 minutes and do one area in your room -- like a table or the area around a chair, or clearing off a sofa. 
4. Next, rest, or go on if you want, but rest if you feel your energy lagging. 
5. Work on one area of the room, then move to the next.  

You may not be able to get everything done in one day, but you can make your mark.  You have done it before.  You can do it again.   Get out of that chair and make an effort to do at least one area in your chosen room.  You can do it.

Working at Your Energy Level

When inactivity is about to drive you crazy, and you have to do some housework or bust, jump in gradually.

Guess what!  Today, I actually got some work done:  Laundry Basket Emptied, Laundry Dried and Folded, Washed the Coffee Pot -- it tastes better if those old oils are washed off, and I spent time decluttering a drawer.  I would like to dust;  but my ear infection has been so bad and I have so much yucky stuff still in my head, I need to buy some masks to wear or make my own washable masks. 

When trying to return to your normal activity level, rest in between jobs.

I rested between everything I did.  I did not work for 15 minutes at a time, because my body made it obvious it is not back.  I could feel the weakness and lack of energy;  however, even with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the muscles will become weaker if not used.  Those of us with ME/CFS walk a fine line between using our muscles and not over exerting ourselves.  We need to use our muscles, then rest.  

Smile.  You accomplished something!  Then, relax and sleep well (hopefully).

I find myself more comfortable with myself if I put in a little effort, according to what I am able to do at the time.  I cannot always be thinking of myself as behind, because that is an indicator I have unrealistic expectations of what I should be doing.  I have also found I sleep better if I am active;  however, if I do more than my body is able to do at the time, I often end up unable to sleep. The fine line I do not want to cross is always there. So what is the best way to know when to stop?

Learn to listen to your body.  It will tell you when to rest if you listen.

I wish I had a magic formula to give you;  however, there is none that I know of.  This is a self-learned, trial and error ability.  Often, one runs into problems when the adrenaline rush of expecting company or wanting to do something so very much, he or she ignores the warning signs that pop up.

1. How do you know when you need to rest?  
2. Have you learned to work in short spurts with rest periods?

10 Things To Do When You Are Dragging More Than Usual...

The new year seems like a time to jump in, to fire up the burners, and get going;  but, in reality, dealing with a chronic illness may leave you feeling deflated from all the activity during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  Even though you may look back with a grateful heart in remembering that time, it does not change that you probably expended more energy being out of your normal routine.  

Today, I'm not going to take the time to  talk about some of the things that can drain us of energy.  But, I would like to list some things to help us get back on track.  I say "us", because I am writing this to me too.  January and February have been slow months for me for quite a few years.  I have noticed 
a pattern, and I think this may be true for many of us. 

Image Courtesy of [-Marcus]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you are dragging more than usual, you can try...

1. Making a shorter list of things to do.
2. Listing 3 things to do, instead of 6 or 7.
3. Breaking big jobs into smaller increments.
4. Spending no more than 15 minutes on a chore -- rest -- then, finish.
5. Delegating small jobs to other family members with age appropriate activities, letting them know how much they are contributing to family life. (This is great training for children.)
6. Celebrating the things you are able to get done.
7. Getting off your feet, and taking a break.
8. Speaking to yourself with positive thoughts.  Don't let the negative take over.
9. Slowing down, doing something you enjoy.
10. Sitting by the fire.

Image Courtesy of [artur84]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I hope this helps.

Hugs, 

Deborah

Why Make a Day List During a Flare or Relapse?

Are you having a flare or a relapse?  Many people call any extra ache or pain a flare, whether it lasts two days or two months.  However, I think it is more reliable to think of a flare as a symptoms that have gotten stronger or come back for a shorter amount of time -- probably for a twenty-four hours or less. To me a relapse has the connotation of a return of symptoms that are stronger and last longer than a week.

Do you  ever have a problem with deciding on the appropriate designation for your symptoms?  I wouldn't worry about it.  Either way you feel worse ;  and, there is a negative impact during these times.

You could take time to pamper a little.
Do you need a bath or shower?

However, if you can get past the pain and doldrums, as well as the sickly, icky feelings that come with flares and relapses to take action in your home situation, you might feel better mentally and emotionally.  Knowing you have done at least one thing on your daily schedule,  can help most people improve confidence and  satisfaction during the day.  The problem is getting yourself moving, and being careful not to do too much.  Pacing yourself is an imperative, which means rest.  Don't push yourself too hard or you may end up feeling worse.


Should you work during a flare or a relapse?  That is a question each of you have to answer;  and the answer probably depends on how serious your relapse is.  Have most of your symptoms returned?  Are you fighting off an infection or a virus?  What are the circumstances of your life?  Are you more stressed than usual?  All of these things need to be taken into account. 
 

The List

You have seen a possible weekly cleaning schedule, which can enhance developing a routine while ridding your house of clutter.  However, have you thought much about a daily list that has definite goals written down?  

Brain fog is a debilitating factor of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Some people feel like they have fogginess every day, even on more normal days.  

One way to combat brain fog is a designated list for the day, written on scrap paper or in an inexpensive notebook. 























During my relapses, I would accomplish very little, relying only on my weekly schedule.  I need to see specific tasks written down, so I can cross them off.  When I see a task crossed off my list, it boosts my morale.  I may still feel worse than usual, but I am not as bored, nor do I feel like I've completely lost a day.  

Even if you only accomplish very small tasks, it is a good thing.  Working helps dissipate depression;  moreover, it means you will not have as much to catch up on when you are able to do more.

One hint about your designated list for the day:  even on good days, do not make it too long.  Don't write down more than three things on it.  In fact, if you are having a flare or a relapse, more than three things will probably be too much.  The principle of three works.  If you have more energy after getting three things done, you can always add another thing you want to do.

I hope this helps you on your more difficult days.  I can't guarantee that you will always feel better if you do something; but, after a flare or relapse, it is harder to get moving if all you have done is sit all day.  

During a relapse or flare, I have found that when I am able to do at least one active thing every day, my morale is higher than if I sit all day.

Therefore, try to keep moving on your flare days;  but also, remember to rest when you feel like you are shaky, dizzy, or over-fatigued.    

God bless you all.  Have a good week!

Deborah