Energy saving techniques

[Corriel]

My OT gave me some good pointers this morning so I thought I would share in case anyone isn't already using them.

1) Getting ready to go out (mostly for women): Sit on a stool to do your shaving, hair and makeup. Standing expends energy.

2) When cooking: Do all of your prep sitting down and have everything you need on a cart or in one area on the counter. Standing and reaching sap your energy.

3) Leave heavy pans out of drawers/cupboards on the stove. Bending and reaching especially with heavy objects is a bugger on energy.

4) Use lightweight dishes, pots and pans and mixing bowls.

5) If mixing bowls do not have an anti-skid bottom find some anti-skid stuff used for floor mats to place under them.

6) Put frequently used dishes/mixing bowls on lower shelves to eliminate reaching.

7) Use a reaching tool for things higher up whenever possible.

8) Use a long handled brush/shower pouf when bathing (less reaching).

9) Take frequent naps but try not to let them last longer than 10-20 minutes. Anything over 30 minutes is not a good thing.

10) Use a laundry bag instead of a basket. It keeps one hand free to help you with balance.

11) Use tools/aids to help with dressing and putting on footwear.

12) Buy clothes that are easy to get on if you have problems with buttons/zippers/hooks.

I have also started using a handicap parking placard for parking at work. That way I am guaranteed to not have to walk too far to my office building and I don't "waste" energy just getting to the office.

Hopefully these will come in handy for some of you,

Corrie

[HVAC]

I have a seven day planner on the fridge. I write out what I have to do so I know how to plan my energy and if I can get things ready the night before.

I keep phone conversations shorter. If you spend a half hour on the phone several times a day it adds up.

My husband and I plan our meals out and cook on Sunday and reheat all week.

When I watch TV I clean at commercials. I get a lot of house work done but I do not wear myself doing it at once.

Don't forget breathing. It is very important. Concentrating on the breath helps with tasks.

Alex

[TLC1104]

Hi,
Thank you for all those pointers,  will definitely be sure to use. Especially to ease the fatigue.
T

[Sailorsong]

I'm sorry to break your bubble but your comment about large pots to cook is not entirely true. LOL I feed only one person but, there are certain meals you can't cook in a small pot. Pot Roast, Pork roast, Chili, and Stew to name a few. But a good try on that one. I do use your other suggestions for a large pot though. So when it comes to carrying the empty (or actually almost empty) pot to the sink all that is left is the liquid.

  But I also have one further suggestion. When I'm using my crock pot I have it set up on the counter next to the sink so there is not very far to carry it.

Dennis

[aspen2]

Good list!  I still remember the look of horror the occupational therapist gave me when she came to do an in-home evaluation, and noticed we only use cast iron frying pans ;).  However, I leave one on the stove at all times so there is little moving.

I`ll add one more -- don`t try to carry large dutch ovens to the sink to strain (i.e. pasta, potatoes etc.)  Use a slotted spoon and place in serving bowl.  Delegate someone to empty the pot  (if you are using massive pots to cook, there is someone else you are feeding :) ...)