I’m always on the lookout for life hacks, tricks that can help improve daily life with fibromyalgia. I love finding ideas that others have shared that honestly would not have occurred to me. I’d like to share six of those. Perhaps some will be of help to you.

1. Cooking

I have invested in a small crockpot, as well as an instant pot. I also got good cookbooks with recipes I would enjoy. I love being able to just turn on the appliance and let it do most of the work. I can then enjoy two to three meals from it.

2. Chores

There are some chores that I’m actually able to do (some with modifications). I have a bowl with folded-up slips of paper in it. On those slips of paper, I’ve written simple tasks like clean out one drawer, wash bathroom sink, dust bookshelf — you get the idea. Anyway, when I’m feeling up to it, I’ll take a slip of paper, read the chore, and do that thing. I might do only one thing, a few things, or nothing at all, depending on how I’m feeling. I put the slips with the chores I’ve done in a different bowl, so I eventually get them all done.

3. Exercise

Exercise does not need to be done in one chunk of time. I experience post-exertional malaise, so doing short walks a couple of times a day works best for me. When there’s cold or inclement weather, I walk from one end of my house to the other, usually three times a day. I know my body and what it can do. If I’m outside, I’ll use a cane or rollator for greater stability. When I’m feeling especially weak but want to be outside, my husband will push me in my wheelchair. If I’m unable to get out of bed, I’ll do some isometric stretching exercises.

4. Bathing

I used to love taking long baths in Epsom salts, but I’ve been unable to get in and out of a tub for a while now. I’m thankful that we now have a walk-in shower. If I’m too fatigued to take a shower, I take a quick sponge bath with my favorite soap. Because my hair is kept in a buzz cut, I just put a bit of baby shampoo on a wet facecloth and wash my hair that way.

5. Hydrating

I keep a cup of ice water next to my bed to make sure I drink enough during the day. It’s also there at night in case I wake up. Since I have a very dry mouth, it’s important that I’m able to drink water often. I like my 30-ounce Yeti cup. It keeps my water cold for a long time and requires less filling. 

6. Organization

I work hard at keeping things in the same place. That way, when I need something, I’ll know where to find it. I use a pill container and keep it next to a bottle of water. Then I don’t have to worry about finding a drink to take my pills with. I keep all my mobile device accessories in one spot, all my medical supplies in one spot, and all my remotes in one spot. With fibro fog being an issue, organization is definitely a priority for me.

I would love to hear about your life hacks. What kinds of tips and tricks make your fibro journey an easier one?

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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.