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