Slow Living for Chronically Ill People Series Week 2: Creating a Supportive Environment

Week 2: Creating a Supportive Environment

I think most folks would agree that when you're in your home that it should be a place of comfort and ease and that it should be a place that you feel most comfortable and relaxed.

Unfortunately, that's not always the case when you're not feeling well and especially if you have a chronic illness because your days can often be unpredictable. 

Sometimes, piles of clothes, books, mail, etc. can add up and up and next thing you know you're just plain overwhelmed  even with the task of just getting started.   I know for me that the longer I sit and look at those piles, the worse it makes me feel.

In today's blog post, we're going to explore some simple, practical ways to create a supportive environment that nurtures you while you're managing your illness. This post will focus on decluttering, making your space cozy, and highlighting small, impactful changes in your home that will make a difference.

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Before we begin, I want to share that if the thought of starting any of this is too much or you don't think that you can do it alone, please reach out to a friend or family member and ask for help.  You can also work with your Pastor/Priest or call area organizations and inquire on any services they may offer pertaining to this type of work.  I know that you may think...I don't anyone to see the mess in my home but there are people out there that want to help you and some of those people, actually enjoy doing this kind of work. Let them!!  (Saying with love from someone who has thought this way and had to ask for help too.)

Tips for Decluttering and Simplifying Living Spaces

1. Start Small: Focus on one area at a time, like a single drawer or a corner of a room. Small victories add up! Start with areas that cause you the most stress, like a cluttered bedside table or a crowded kitchen counter.  You can also use baskets, trays and other things like these to help keep you organized once things have been tidied up. 

2. Use a "Keep, Donate, Toss" System: Grab two boxes and quickly sort items into these categories. Ask yourself, “Do I use this regularly? Does it bring me joy?” If it doesn’t serve a purpose or make you happy, it’s time to let it go.  If you're still struggling with parting with an item and its in good condition, donating it to a charity or another person can help someone else in need.  Also, it just plain feels good to help other people.

3. Delegate Tasks: If you haven't already, ask a friend or family member for help with larger decluttering projects. They can handle the physical tasks while you guide the process. Break the project into manageable chunks to avoid overwhelm. For example, bending over and getting back up is a challenge for me.  So, my daughter, did that part and I instructed her on what to do with what she picked up. What would take me "forever' took her just a matter of minutes and we made so much progress because of her help! 

4. Keep Essentials Accessible: Arrange frequently used items within easy reach to minimize strain and effort. For example, keep medications, snacks, and water bottles on a tray near your favorite resting spot.  You can even purchase a rolling storage organizer so that it can move along with you.

5. Set Up "Drop Zones": Designate spots for daily essentials like keys, mail, and chargers to keep your space organized and reduce the time spent looking for things.  Baskets, bins and small trays are great for these and keeping things organized as well as wall shelves like this one. 

How to Create a Cozy and Restful Atmosphere at Home

1. Layer Comforts: Add soft blankets, fluffy pillows, and cozy rugs to make your space inviting and restful. Choose textures that feel soothing to the touch, like fleece or cotton.  I like to add items that are not also pretty but are practical in helping me while I am sitting/resting at home.  For example, this pillow helps me sit up better and supports me in the process and massaging heating pad helps my bones when they ache.

2. Use Gentle Lighting: Replace harsh overhead lights with warm, soft lighting from table lamps, string lights, or battery-operated candles. Dim lighting can help create a calming mood, especially in the evenings.

3. Incorporate Nature: Add low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or fresh flowers to bring life and calm into your home. If caring for real plants feels like too much, high-quality faux plants can offer the same aesthetic benefits as well as pretty nature inspired prints or posters.

4. Designate a "Rest Zone": Create a specific area with everything you need for relaxation—books, a favorite mug, or a heating pad. Make it your go-to space for unwinding at any time of the day.  Be sure to roll your rolling organizer tray with you and then you're all set to relax for a bit.

5. Personalize Your Space: Add items that bring you comfort or joy, such as framed photos of your favorite people or fur babies, favorite artwork, or sentimental objects.

Small Changes That Make a Big Impact

1. Create a Morning Routine Basket: Fill a small basket with essentials like medication, a water bottle, snacks, and a journal to start your day without extra effort. This can save you multiple trips and reduce decision fatigue in the morning.  As you know, you only have so many spoons each day, so use them wisely! (Not sure what a spoon is?  You can read about that here.)

2. Use Organizers: Bins, baskets, and trays can keep your items tidy and easy to find. Label them to save energy so you're not spending a whole lot of time trying to find things. For example, use one basket for self-care items and another for electronics.

3. Add Calming Scents: Use a diffuser or candles with relaxing aromas like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

4. Declutter Your Mind: Keep a notepad nearby to jot down tasks, worries, or reminders. This simple habit can help clear mental clutter and allow you to focus on rest. I personally like to use my Daily Focus Planner Sheet and write out what I need to do and then check it off.  Your phone can work just as well if you'd rather use that over traditional pen and paper.  Type or use the speak into feature for your notes or email yourself.  Do whatever is the easiest for you to do and makes most sense for your brain.

5. Set Up "Energy Stations": Place small stations around your home with water, snacks, or entertainment (like a tablet or books) so you’re always prepared to rest without having to move far.

Final Thoughts

Remember, creating a supportive environment doesn’t have to happen all at once. You can do a little each day.  Take it slow, and celebrate every step forward because it all counts and it does make a difference. I like to tell fellow spoonies that we have to celebrate where we can!  Focus on what feels most achievable for you today, and know that every small effort adds up to a big difference in your comfort and well-being.  You've got this!

What are some other ways that you can create a supportive environment in your home?  Comment below.  

In this together,

Laura

Want to start at week 1 of this series?  Click here to begin.