It's week two of a horrible flare. You're sleep deprived and feel like a shell of your normal self. There are some things that just don't matter when you're in survival mode, but they aren't always obvious. Let's talk about what you can add and/or remove from your life so you can save your energy for things that matter — like caring for yourself and your family.

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🥡 Food: Keep it Simple

It's not uncommon to go hungry during a flare. How are you supposed to eat when your hands don't work, it takes 15 minutes for you to hobble to the kitchen, and the meal you're trying to make requires you to stand at the stove? What if you have children to feed? Here are three ways to simplify meals during a flare:

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• Make friends with the microwave. The world won't end because your family is eating frozen meals for a while. Instant mashed potatoes, microwave rice, frozen dinners — these are all great options that require very little prep and can be made quickly. They're also great for children old enough to help you out a bit.

• Buy easy-open products. Ditch the cans that are hard to open and forget jars with tight lids. If you're craving fruit and vegetables, maybe buy it frozen or pre-cut so you don't have to do any cutting. Take a look at products designed for kids — apple sauces, baby food, and snacks are usually easier to open if they're marketed for children.

• Make frozen meals when you're feeling good. If you have the time and ability, make and store a few frozen meals that you can thaw next time you flare. You'll feel better about the ingredients and can either microwave it or throw it in the oven.

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🍽️ Reduce Chores

When you have the brain power, take stock of the chores you typically do in a week and consider ways to simplify or eliminate them all together.

• For instance, why do you need to do dishes in a flare? Purchase cheap paper plates, bowls, and utensils that can be thrown away.
• Keep Lysol wipes in the bathroom where you can access them easily and do a quick swipe of the counters each day to keep grime at bay while you're unable to deep clean.
• If you have children or pets and your floors get dirty quickly, consider investing in a robot vacuum (like a Roomba) that can keep the floors clean for you.

Part of living with a chronic illness means letting go of your standards every once in a while. You know what level of mess you can and cannot tolerate for your mental health, but remember that resting and letting go of some chores is okay during a flare or difficult season of life.

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🧺 Create Stations

One thing I dread in a flare is needing something in another room and having to muster the energy to go get it. Stations help to eliminate those kinds of tasks. Think about items you need during a flare and begin creating little "stations" around the house. These stations can be little baskets, drawers, a bag, etc. Your station can include a phone charger, medicine, heating pads, creams, and anything else you might need. For me, I'm usually posted up in my bed or on the couch, so in a flare I try to have what I need in both of these locations so I don't have to move around as much. It may take some time to buy duplicates of things, but it'll be worth it next time you flare.

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🩼 Invest in Assistance Devices

There's a whole world of devices out there that were created for the niche problems you face. There are tools to help you open jars and cans, tools to help you keep balance when you're shuffling around the house, tools to help you drive when your wrist hurts — it's all out there. Cheryl from Arthritis Life is an occupational therapist and has an amazing list of tools you may find helpful. Check it out here.

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Please remember — you are NOT lazy! You have a debilitating disease and simplifying your life is a kindness that you deserve. I hope these ideas help you and make your next flare easier to navigate.