Struggling to Find Balance in Self-Care

I ask for help a lot. I have to swallow my pride. I live with guilt that I’m not doing more. But I do what I can. I modify tasks if I have to (I sit in a rolling desk chair to wash dishes and to cook dinner, I sit on the side of the tub to clean the toilet and I sit on the toilet lid to clean the sink). Focus on what’s best for you. My fibro seems to be ten times worse since I had COVID in 2020, and I also broke my foot in 2020 and had to have surgery on it last year. Between those two things, I have become very limited in my mobility. I actually broke down and cried the other day because I want to go to Galaxycon with my partner next weekend, but he was planning out how we could take separate vehicles or if we took one vehicle he would take an Uber home because he knows I won’t be able to stand or walk around as long as he can. Definitely seek out counseling (I start with a new therapist tomorrow). It helps with the depression that inevitably creeps up on us in our illnesses and the day to day stress.

Im in a similar position. My husband has been so amazing but the guilt I feel by not being able to physically share the load is unreal. I struggle just to walk without limping now. My fibro feels like it got worse postpartum and its really affecting my mental health.

I have started thinking about what tasks I can have someone else do for me. A few example, one of the most difficult things to do with my fibro is maintain my hair. I have very curly, thick hair that requires a lot of effort. So now I budget to have someone to wash/blowout my hair. Another task is laundry. If it gets to overwhelming I will schedule a laundry pick up service. I also try and make simple meals that don’t require a lot of prep or clean up. I would just look at the tasks in your life that require you time/effort and see if you can ask a family member or friend to help you with those, or budget to hire someone to help you.

I only focus on each day at a time, keeping my calender up to date as well. Focus on what has to be done today, dishes and laundry and cleaning or whatever else can wait they don't have to be done right away. Focus on the need and then maybe the next day you can add something that you want to get done....