Managing a Household with Chronic Illness: My Top Strategies for Success

Ronnette Urbach|September 20, 2024

Living with a chronic illness can make managing a household feel overwhelming. The energy and effort required to keep things running smoothly can seem impossible when you’re dealing with pain, fatigue, or other debilitating symptoms. As someone who also lives with chronic illness, I (Ronnette) have developed some strategies that help me and my clients maintain a functional home despite these challenges. Here are my top four tips for managing your home while caring for your health:

1. Simplify Your Environment

Simplifying your surroundings can be a game-changer when living with a chronic illness. The fewer your belongings, the less you need to clean, tidy, declutter, organize, and maintain. Simplifying your home reduces stress and makes everyday tasks more manageable.

  • Declutter: The less clutter you have, the easier it is to keep your space under control. Don’t be afraid to declutter and declutter again—each round helps lighten the load.
  • Use a Bite-Sized Approach: Instead of tackling large tasks all at once, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, rather than trying to “clean the kitchen,” focus on smaller tasks like clearing the countertops, wiping down surfaces, or sweeping the floor. This way, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Set a Timer: Setting a timer tells your brain this is not an endless task. Setting a timer for 10-15 minutes and focusing on one task is especially helpful. You’ll be amazed by how much you can accomplish without overextending yourself.

2. Establish a Consistent Routine

Creating a consistent routine can help manage your energy levels and reduce decision fatigue. Routine provides structure and predictability, so essential tasks don’t feel so daunting.

  • The Energy Scale: I use an energy scale to determine what I can manage each day based on how I’m feeling. This allows me to stay productive while respecting my body’s limits.
    • Low Energy/Survival Mode: Spend around 15 minutes a day on essential tasks, like five minutes on dishes, checking if the garbage needs to be taken out, or doing one step of laundry (e.g., wash, dry, fold).
    • Average Energy: With about an hour of energy, you can complete tasks like a full dish cycle, taking out the garbage and recycling, and a full cycle of laundry. You might also spend five minutes wiping down the bathroom, surfaces, and floors.
    • High Energy/Feeling Spicy: On good days, you can tackle everything on your “average” list, plus deep cleaning tasks like vacuuming, mopping, shower cleaning, dusting, or decluttering.
  • Weekly Routines: If the energy scale feels too variable, consider establishing weekly routines. Assign specific days to certain tasks—like laundry on Mondays, grocery shopping on Wednesdays, and cleaning the bathroom on Fridays. This spreads out the workload, keeping things manageable.

3. Delegate and Seek Support

Managing a household doesn’t have to fall entirely on your shoulders, especially when dealing with a chronic illness. Asking for help and delegating tasks can lighten the load.

  • Household Members: Share responsibilities with your family. Assign age-appropriate chores to children and involve your partner in household tasks. Clear communication helps ensure that everyone knows their role and contributes.
  • The Fair Play System: Developed by Eve Rodsky, the Fair Play system helps couples and families establish fair guidelines for household tasks. It promotes equal partnership, accountability, and a sense of ownership over chores, helping to re-balance workloads.
  • Friends and Neighbors: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Friends and neighbors may be more than willing to assist with errands, yard work, or grocery pickups.
  • Professional Services: Consider outsourcing tasks that are particularly challenging. Hiring a cleaning service, using meal and grocery delivery, or even relying on laundry services can ease the burden.

4. Practice Self-Compassion and Rest

Living with a chronic illness means that some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. It’s essential to practice self-compassion and rest when needed:

  • Set Realistic Expectations: You don’t have to do everything. Set manageable goals for yourself and your home. It’s perfectly fine if your home isn’t spotless all the time—focus on what’s most important to you.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals, and give yourself permission to rest. Pushing through pain or fatigue can worsen your symptoms and lead to burnout. Take breaks, nap if necessary, and pace yourself throughout the day.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Every task you complete is a victory, even if it’s something small. Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate what you accomplish, especially on tough days.

Conclusion

Managing a home while dealing with chronic illness is undeniably challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset it’s possible to create a space that supports your well-being. Simplifying your environment, establishing routines, seeking help, and practicing self-compassion are key elements to achieving a functional home that works for you. Remember, each step forward is a victory—no matter how small.

Looking for personalized support to create routines that work for your unique needs? Check out our virtual consulting package to get the help you deserve!

Posted in