Softer Living

If you live with chronic illness or pain, you know that cooking can be a challenge. Even simple tasks like chopping vegetables or stirring a pot can be exhausting. But eating healthy meals is essential for your physical and mental well-being. So how can you make cooking easier and more enjoyable? Here are several tips for turning a kitchen into an accessible and healthy place to prepare nourishment for bodies with chronic illness, pain, and fatigue. Simple accommodations for your kitchen Use lightweight, soft-grip cookware and utensils. This will make it easier to hold and maneuver them. Wheatgrass plates, bamboo utensils, and silicone cups make eating, drinking, and washing up less taxing for someone with limited energy or hyper-sensory issues. Install a pull-down faucet or a faucet with a sprayer. This will make it easier to wash dishes and keep the sink clean. Get a step stool so you can reach things without standing on your tiptoes. A tall bar stool will allow you to sit at the cou...

Regular exercise and movement are crucial in managing chronic fatigue syndrome and other disabilities. However, it's essential to approach exercise mindfully and avoid overexertion, especially when dealing with limited energy levels. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of movement, provide practical tips for incorporating exercise into your routine without relying on equipment or spending money, and offer guidance on managing energy effectively. Why Movement Matters Engaging in physical activity offers numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities. It can improve muscle strength, joint flexibility, cardiovascular health, mood, and overall well-being. Regular movement also helps manage symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties. By staying active, you can enhance your quality of life and maintain functional abilities. Approach Exercise Mindfully Listen to your body and honor its limitations. Start slowly and...

In this second installment of our series, we'll focus on practicing hygiene and ensuring all-day comfort for individuals with sensory challenges and chronic illnesses. By making small adjustments to our routines and embracing soft and supportive clothing and accessories, we can nurture our sensitive bodies and conserve energy. Basic Hygiene In the first post of the Rise & Shine series, we addressed dental care, which is the bare minimum you must do to preserve your health during a flareup. Here, we explore basic hygiene for the rest of the body. Showering can be challenging for spoonies with pain syndromes. Even if it doesn’t hurt, a full shower can be exhausting for someone with limited spoons. Prioritize your energy by assessing your responsibilities and deciding if a full shower is feasible. If a full shower is not manageable due to pain, energy, or time constraints, focus on washing your hands, face, armpits, and genitals, in that order. Use a clean washcloth and gentle h...