Do you or someone you know suffer from short term or long term pain issues? Perhaps you have an auto-immune disease like Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue. Perhaps there is not a chronic disorder but you have recently had surgery, changed jobs or you are getting over some sort of injury. Either way, these are things that are tough to deal with already. If you also have kids, her are ten tips to keep your day flowing easier.
1. Even if kids are well behaved, keep them on a daily schedule that doesn't change much. If they know what to expect, they are less likely to cause an extra kink on the days when your energy is the lowest.
2. Add a nap into your daily schedule. Whether it is for you or your baby, it is good to know the exact time you can look forward to a break each day.
3. Insulated lunchboxes are not just for lunches. Keep one full of those reusable ice packs for times when you need muscle or headache relief.
4. Instant heat packs are sold at some dollar stores. Whether you are on a budget or not, it is a good idea to buy these at a cheaper price when you need it daily. Carry at least three with you on a trip, just in case, for muscles and joints.
5. Men and women, avoid lifting objects that are too heavy or will cause straining. Women, please avoid wearing shoes with heels. You may think that this only affects your feet. Actually, wearing heals is not natural. It throws off your back which is a big part of your core strength. Anyone who has done research on your core will tell you just how much that affects the rest of your body and your over all quality of life.
6. Ask your health care provider if it's okay to take EXTRA vitamin E and D. You probably already take some sort of multivitamin and your doctor may not see a point in taking suppliments. However, ask your doctor if it's okay to at least try taking a double dose for a few weeks since these vitamins help prevent pain.
7. Keep your balance.If you are one of the lucky few who have a regular clothing budget, shop smart. This means that any time you purchase items like shoes, socks and bras, buy the kinds that are meant for correcting posture. This may or may not take away some current pain but the real idea here is to prevent any pain that may come in the future.
8. If you have an infant, use a baby sling rather than a baby carrier with straps and buckles. The baby sling will distribute the weight of the baby over a wide area of your body rather than press down on your shoulders in the same spot each time. Don't be afraid to suggest this to anyone you know who uses a baby carrier that is causing them to get red marks or fatigued.
9. Reduce external and internal stress. Hopefully, you stay out of the sun and keep hydrated and wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat. In the winter/cold season, try to avoid high-traffic areas like buses, planes trains and rest rooms. Also, avoid any activities that cause you emotional stress. I know you have a regular routine that you are used to. In the long-term, it's best to avoid things like arguments or sports you like to watch that you really get into (you know what I mean). If you are in a state of healing, then you only need to avoi
10. Family support. What do you do if your family is less than understanding? Well, if you can convince your PCP, or one of your specialist doctors to talk to them, this may work. The general public have an easier time excepting something when it comes from a source like a sign or a person in uniform. Ask your doctor if they can speak to your fam/friends directly over the phone, in person or write a letter on their office letterhead. The information given should be what your main ailments will be now and over time. They also should know what to expect as far as lifestyle changes as it pertains to you and them if you live with them.
*On a personal note, I currently manage well with everything except getting the rest I need. I suffered through my illness as a young person, not knowing that I had an auto-immune disorder. My parents appointed me babysitter to my younger siblings from age five up to the day I moved away from home. Although I had spent so much time dedicated to raising them while my parents worked, nobody really wanted to help me when I had children of my own. I emailed my family the details of my symptoms and how it affects my lifestyle. Nobody responded.
My sister visits us regularly so I spoke with her about it. I handed her a schedule of days of the week I would need child care. I included times of day, how many hours per day and which kids I was referring to each time. Although not much has changed, the little changes make a big difference. I hope this blog has either helped you directly or helped you to come up with your own helpful ideas.
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