7 Time Management Tips for Chronic Illness Warriors
We’ve all heard that creating a schedule keeps us focused on getting things done. While this advice is true, it's challenging for people with chronic illnesses to follow a strict schedule. Unlike those without chronic illnesses, we start with a limited number of spoons daily. These spoons represent how much energy and time we have to do tasks. Once those spoons are gone, we must rest our minds and body until the next day.
Even so, it’s crucial for people with chronic illnesses to have a schedule that allows them to use their spoons efficiently. With better time management, we can feel less exhausted and more productive throughout the day.
Here are seven time management tips for people living with a chronic illness.
Take your time getting up in the morning
Most are taught that they should immediately jump out of bed and start their day once the alarm clock goes off. But, this can be challenging for some people with chronic illnesses due to symptoms. So, when you wake up in the morning, spend 25 to 30 minutes resting in your bed before you start using your spoons.
Create a schedule
As mentioned, you may not want to set a schedule that is too difficult to follow. Chronic illness warriors must be aware of their daily capabilities. As you create a schedule, consider how many spoons you start the day with and incorporate time to rest and enjoy activities.
If you’re a visual person, write down your schedule so that you can refer to it as you complete tasks. Or, you can create a to-do list in your phone’s notes or calendar.
Don’t take on more than you can handle
Try not to bite off more than you can chew as a spoonie. You can avoid overwhelming yourself by batching tasks together. Of course, this can be trickier but not impossible if you need to meet deadlines or other obligations.
Also, people living with chronic illnesses often want to make up for lost time due to their conditions. They may wish to engage in more activities than their body can handle. When this happens, they may spend their spoons without getting much done and feel exhausted.
Consider your physical and mental capabilities as you figure out time management with a chronic illness. Then, once you find out what they are, incorporate those aspects into your schedule.
Find your peak hours
What times are you most productive during the day? Everyone has their peak hours, which is when you work the most efficiently. Some people are more productive in the mornings, while others perform better in the evenings. With this in mind, think about when you have the most spoons throughout your day. Then, use your best hours to do more demanding tasks that take the most spoons, like cleaning the kitchen or finishing a work project.
Set boundaries
Don’t feel ashamed when you have to prioritize your chronic illness before other commitments. For example, sometimes, you may need to decline to go to an outgoing with friends because you’re too fatigued. Or, you may have to take a day off from work because you’re experiencing a flare-up. An essential aspect of time management is setting boundaries that ensure you’re not exceeding your limits.
Learn how to say no
It’s tough to say no, especially if you dislike hurting other people’s feelings. But, becoming more comfortable saying no can help you set boundaries and improve time management. Adapting to declining outings and other requests may take time, but you must be protective of your time and energy.
Put in place time for rest and fun
A great way to motivate yourself to improve your time management skills as a chronic illness patient is to set time aside for resting and fun. This tip is crucial for time management as it helps you split up your spoons without expending them all on one big activity. Also, we know how stressful managing a chronic illness is, so relaxing your mind and having fun is crucial to protecting your mental health.
Here are some ideas for what you can do during your rest breaks:
Take a nap
Watch your favorite TV show or movie
Take a walk with your dog
Meditate
Practice breathing exercises
Listen to a podcast
Also, consider these activities for fun:
Go out to eat
Attend a dance class
Try a new recipe
Have a picnic at the park
Visit the arcade
Volunteer with a local organization
Of course, with these activities, don’t forget how much energy and time they require. Don't feel ashamed if you need to take breaks during activities or call it quits early. Your loved ones will be supportive and understanding of your health needs.
It can be challenging to manage time while dealing with a chronic illness. So many uncertainties come with living with a chronic illness that you can’t always prepare for. So as you create your schedule, consider these time management tips so that you’re using your spoons efficiently.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
