Cleaning With Chronic Illness – An Ideal Life

If you suffer from a chronic illness, managing daily tasks can feel like working in a mine. Cleaning, with its physical demands and energy requirements, often tops the list of challenging chores. But maintaining a clean living space isn’t just about cleanliness – it can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. In chronic illness, it’s absolutely important to find a cleansing routine that respects your body’s limits and makes room for life’s unexpected turns.

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The information provided in this blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The 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 healthcare 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 read online. The author of this post is not a licensed medical professional and assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.

What is a spoonie anyway?

Understanding your energy levels

One of the first steps to a sustainable cleansing routine is to identify and map out your energy levels throughout the day or week. Since fatigue can often come unexpectedly, it’s important to understand your body’s signals. Start by identifying times when you typically have more energy and consider scheduling your cleaning tasks during these windows. Remember, energy is currency—spend it wisely and listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

Also be prepared to make adjustments as needed. For example, you might try washing the dishes immediately after a meal. But if eating a big brunch makes you feel sleepy (hello, gluten intolerance!), it’s worth resting now and cleaning up later. If you’re worried about forgetting, try setting a reminder or leaving a physical note before you go back to bed!

breaking tasks into manageable steps

Looking at a messy house can be overwhelming, making it hard to know where to start. This is especially true for those of us who are also neurodivergent! Try breaking cleaning tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of setting a goal to clean the entire bathroom, you can start by just changing the sink or towels. This method of cleaning in chronic illness can prevent fatigue and give a sense of accomplishment when each small task is completed.

I love Magic ToDo by Goblin Tools For this! By entering a task like “clean the bathroom”, you can automatically generate details of sub-tasks at your chosen level, whether you need things as granular as possible or just a simple list of broad tasks.

Tools and gadgets to make the process easier

The right tools for cleaning up chronic disease can be game-changing. For example, someone who struggles with their arms and hands may invest in stress reduction devices. For example, a lightweight vacuum cleaner or mop with a shrink system can reduce the need to bend and lift heavy items. In addition to ergonomic cleaning tools, consider devices like robotic vacuums or extendable dusters that can make the job less physically taxing. These investments are not just equipment; They are a support for your health!

I’ve been particularly liking our robot vacuum lately! “Jax” is ready to clean floors with just the push of a button – and a quick look to make sure there’s nothing he can suck up or get stuck on. Traditional vacuuming is one of the hardest cleaning tasks with my fibromyalgia and hypermobility, so this is absolutely critical!

Creating a Flexible Cleaning Schedule

Flexibility is important when your health is unpredictable. Create a cleaning schedule that allows for variability, such as a list of “high priority” and “low priority” tasks. On good days, tackle a high-priority task; On low-energy days, consider a less demanding task or allow yourself to rest. This approach ensures that you maintain progress without pushing past your limits.

right here sweepy Application It plays a role in my self-cleansing chronic illness routine. The free plan will help you keep track of when you last completed certain cleaning and home management tasks, as well as which tasks are most urgent. The premium version takes things a step further by automatically generating a list of tasks for you each day!

Cleaning products for chronic illness

Many of us suffering from chronic illnesses find that common cleaning chemicals can trigger flare-ups or allergic reactions. With this in mind, look for hypoallergenic or eco-friendly cleaning products that are less likely to cause irritation. As a bonus, you can help the Earth with sustainable choices!

You can also make your own cleaning solution from everyday ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, which may be even milder — just be sure to do your research to choose a mixture that is both safe and effective! For example, someone who has a weakened immune system may prefer a stronger cleaner than a DIY can provide, while someone with severe sensitivities to certain chemicals may prefer a less thorough cleaning without triggers. Will do.

Incorporating rest and recovery

Be sure to include break and recovery periods in your cleaning routine. To make this simple, try setting a timer to remind yourself to take short, regular breaks to rest and stay hydrated. I have my time timer Be prepared to create Pomodoro-style cleaning sessions, working for 5, 10, or 15-minute blocks (unless I’m feeling longer!) before making sure to take breaks.

Also, it’s important to remember that you can always take a day off from your normal routine. If cleaning due to a chronic illness is causing you to have a bad day, it’s okay to reduce your tasks or skip them altogether and relax instead. Your health should come first—the dishes and laundry will be waiting tomorrow!

Asking for help and delegating

There’s no shame in asking for help—whether it’s from family, friends, or a professional service. If your budget allows it, hiring help for more intensive tasks can be a worthwhile investment in your health. Or, you may have loved ones who are willing and able to help. Although this is not an option for everyone, some form of delegation will make a significant difference in cleaning up in the case of chronic illness.

Living with a chronic illness means adapting every aspect of your life to your health needs, and cleaning is no exception. By understanding your energy limitations, using the right tools, and allowing flexibility in your routine, you can maintain your space without sacrificing your well-being.