Tips for Managing Your Time and Home

We all have 24 hours a day to get done what we need to do, but when you live with a chronic disease you may wish you could add some hours to your day.  Not only do many tasks and activities take longer when you are in chronic pain, but you also need more time to rest between them. So how do you raise a family, keep a home and possibly even hold a job when you are short on time and energy? 
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While one solution would be to cut back work hours and hire a housekeeper and personal assistant, for most of us that simply is not possible. The following tips can help.

Get help where you can

Whether it is a neighbor who offers to drive the kids to school or friend who asks if she can pick up a few items at the grocery, don’t hesitate to accept offers of help. Also, don’t be afraid to ask.  Most friends, family and neighbors are happy to meet a need.  

Plan ahead

If you have to be up and out early, planning the night before can make everything run more smoothly in the morning. Set out your entire outfit including socks or hose and any accessories before you go to bed. Have ties and scarves tied, but loosened, so when morning comes you can slip them over your head tighten them and go.   If you have children make sure homework is completed, papers are signed and books are in book bags and near the door. 

Hire Help

Even if you can’t have a regular housekeeper or nanny, sometimes having someone come in a few hours a week for a specific task such as folding laundry or watching the kids while you nap or run errands can be the next best thing.  To find some (very) part-time help, look for a neighborhood teen who would like to earn a little extra money, check job postings at the supermarket or post an ad or visit a Web site that matches caregivers to jobs such as care.com sittercity.com.

Get cooperation from kids

Teach kids from an early age to clean up their own messes and help you around the house.  Even young children can help with simple chores such as emptying wastebaskets and setting the table for dinner. Older kids can take out trash, mow the grass, run the vacuum or prepare meals.

Have a safe and efficient home

An ergonomically designed home and assistive devices can make day-to-day life easier and more efficient. In many cases, small, inexpensive modifications or devices can make a big difference. Don’t know where to start? Ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist who can come to your home and make recommendations. In some cases, this service is covered by health insurance. 

Make it easy

Enjoy family dinner times without the painful clean-up afterwards. Serve meals on paper plates and set places with paper napkins.  Eat at a table with a wipe-able surface or use a vinyl table cloth for every day. When dinner is over, simply wipe down the table and throw plates and napkins away.  

Get organized

Many people waste hours each year looking for items they have misplaced. Time spent organizing your house now can save you time later.  If you need help with organization, ask for tips from a professional or check out one of the many books on the subject, including:​
  • The Clutter Diet: The Skinny on Organizing Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life (Reason Press, 2009);
  • Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up (Ten Speed Press, 2016)
  • Organization: The Ultimate DIY Guide for Household Hacks, Cleaning & Organizing Your Home Fast (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015).

Once everything has a place, keep it there – or return it immediately after using – so you can find it quickly the next time.

Learn more

 
Proudly sponsored by the JSA Chronic Disease Foundation