8. To make shopping easier, use the same grocery store on a regular basis and learn where various items are located. Many stores provide copies of their layout available for customer convenience; ask for one. Photocopy this layout and use it as a master shopping list by simply checking off the specific items you need. This will make it easier for you, or someone assisting you, the next time you go shopping.
Personal Wellbeing
9. If you are anything like me, living with chronic illness has made maintaining a healthy weight challenging and regular exercise more difficult. This entry is a personal one in that I’m asking you to come support me on a very long journey. Do you happen to know what your body mass index (BMI) and total body fat percentage are? I do now, and perhaps you will join me on this quest to lower my weight and become more active. Come read Body Fat and BMI - My, oh My!! (Honestly, I could use the moral support.)
10. Finally, please take care of yourself. Be sensible about how you spend your time and energy and do those things that are most important to you and to your family. Try to eliminate unnecessary and/or difficult tasks. Make compromises and remove the word “should” from your vocabulary. By all means, give yourself permission to rest whenever possible.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness
Bonus. Living with RA is never an easy thing to do and there is still a general lack of understanding of what the disease is and does. (see RA Myths and RA Facts) To help spread awareness of the disease, tell just ONE PERSON what it is like FOR YOU to live with rheumatoid arthritis. Do this either in person or create a Sharepost.
Sources for Nifty Living Aids:
Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.
