Creating a Blog ✏️
In my 32 years on this earth, I have collected an array of embarrassing moments, life struggles and random happenings. I figured it's about time I start sharing them with the world. If nobody else reads this, then it can be my personal diary of embarrassing moments.
Life is hard, but these things make life a little easier…
1. Ellipse by LegXercise
This is definitely a larger investment, but great for someone like me. I have a stationary bike, but it is getting harder for me to get off of it. The Ellipse is a motorized leg movement machine. I am able to sit on the couch, do work or watch tv while exercising at the same time. I do have to pace myself, because I can still feel the burn in my legs afterwards. I linked the main website, but check QVC for some great deals!
2. Rolling Desk - Extra Large
This is another bigger investment, but as a graphic designer, I use this EVERY SINGLE DAY! In the past, I have used the standard lap desk, but since my quads are weaker, my laptop gets heavy and my legs ache. When I had to get surgery a couple of years ago, I was looking at a few table options. I came across this rolling table that is extra large with a handle to easily adjust the height. I can sit in bed and the bottom area will roll under the bed with the desk across my lap. I also work a lot from my couch, so I can easily roll it from one room to the other. There are a variety of options but the link below is what I got. The extra large version is nice because it fits a laptop, my notebooks and my drinks.
3. Squishmallows
I thought Squishmallows were just a fad until I got my first one, the sprinkle cupcake, when I had surgery two years ago. I have grown quite the collection since then. They are surely dopamine decor, but for someone with a disorder, they also help! I have a variety of sizes I lay with, lay on, hug, and the smaller 8” ones are perfect to rest under the neck. They are extremely soft and huggable.
4. fit-flavors
This recommendation is for my friends local to St. Louis, but I know their are other similar companies across the country.
I will be the first to say that I need to eat healthier, drink more water and less soda. I am forever working on my choices, but when I choose to eat fit-flavors meals, I always feel great. They are freshly made, grab-and-go, stay in the fridge and microwave in two minutes! This makes eating healthier a lot easier and they have a variety of meals. I tried food prep services but I don’t have the energy to cook, so this takes the work out of it.
5. Hourly Planner
I am a paper person and always use a paper planner and To Do lists. My Occupational Therapist recommended for me to use an hourly planner. I tried it this past year and it definitely helps! On Sundays, I try to plan out my weekly activities including chores and personal tasks like showers or doing the dishes. The hourly planner helps me spread out my energy for the week. It’s never perfect, but helps me think about and try to manage my time and energy a little better!
Let me know if you try any of these out, have any questions or if you have other devices or assistive aids that you love!
Share them with me at: creatinginclusivity@gmail.com
- Emily
5 Self Care Ideas ♡♡♡
Hot Baths: If you can’t get out of the tub…like me…then get yourself a bath seat...or even two! I also have a smaller one to put my legs on. I put epsom salt on my legs and a towel with hot water over that. It’s as close as I am getting to a bath these days. Relaxing at its finest.
Heating Pad: If you don’t have one of these in your life, get one ASAP.
Journaling: I mostly journal after a long day and need to let my feelings out. I have also felt that journaling on good days as well helps clear my head and lowers my anxiety. Sometimes it’s a quick little note, but it is a great way to write things down and let them go.
Naps: Take the nap! Sometimes I need to nap before I can function or do anything else. Not sure if this is disorder related, but I never miss a good nap.
Treat Yo’self: You may need to set a budget, but sometimes it’s okay to treat yourself a little. It can be as small as a sweet treat or that item you’ve been eye-ing.
Travel Essentials
Here are a few items I have been packing on trips to make my life easier.
I use a cane daily, sometimes a walker on bad legs days. When I travel, I also pack my wheelchair. Here are a few other items I started bringing. I made a list in my phone, but wanted to share a few of the most important items I bring when traveling.
1. Compact Assist Railing
This is great for travel because it comes apart and lays flat. It fits perfectly in my carry-on suitcase for easy travel. I never used to pack this, but I would be trying to get out of bed and wish I brought this along.
2. Sit’N Stand
I have the classic & compact versions of the Sit’N Stand. If you can only choose one, I would suggest the compact for travel! It packs up in a carrying case and works great on the go.
For $50 off, use code: emily50off
3. Raised Toilet Seat with Handles
This is not the most compact thing to travel with, but it is the best I have found! I have a commode at home, but that doesn’t easily pack up. I still may need a little assistance, but this at least raises the toilet 5 inches.
4. Grabber
This is a fabulous grabber! My old one broke, so I recently bought this 36” grabber. It is great since it folds up. I drop things all the time and always wishing I packed it when I travel. Now I can with this foldable one. It also has a magnet on the end which helps if you drop a key or metal hair clip.
5. Heating Pad
This is a game changer after a long day of travel or adventure! Rolls up and fits great.
6. Biofreeze
Along with the heating pad, Biofreeze helps with pain relief after traveling! My favorite is the roll-on gel.
Let me know if you try any of these out or if you have other devices or assistive aids that you love!
Share them with me at: creatinginclusivity@gmail.com
- Emily