How to get ready with a Chronic Illness.

At one point getting ready was a little hard, at another it was fairly easy, and now it's a hell of a fight. I'm going to share how I've adapted to my current level of health.

1. I do my makeup sitting down.

I do my makeup using an over bed table but if you do not have one you can use a mirror and mount it on the wall and have a little DIY vanity area and if you have good vision you can just put a chair in front of your bathroom mirror.  For me, using the overbed table I can reserve my spoons because I can rest either in between application or right after I'm done, I can even partially lay down while doing my makeup. As an extrovert, going out to me pretty important.

2. I pick out my outfits on pinterest.

Yup, you read that right. Sounds a little weird doesn't it? But it works! I'm a fashionista and I become indecisive and over inspired by different pieces in my closet and I eventually end up changing my outfit 3 times and thus getting too sick to really even go. I find some inspiration on an outfit then I look for pieces in my closet that resemble it, I get to do all the indecisiveness when I'm scrolling LOL.

3. I straighten or curl my hair the night before.

No heat curls are you best friend. You just put the rollers in and the next day your hair is done! As for straightening I put my hair up in a ponytail and split it in two sections and then the majority of my hair will be straight. All I have to do is style the front if I'm wearing a side part.

 & for my Black chronic cuties I find it easier to manage fake hair since it natural hair requires a lot more attention. I can usually just brush my hair and go. You can wear a weave or crotchet braids that look like your natural hair or it can be straight, wavy possibilities are endless lol....& You don't have to spend nearly as many spoons making sure it doesn't randomly break off from not caring for it enough. Not to mention having your hair away makes it grow pretty long!

& for all spoonies, if my tips are way too much activity for you maybe you should consider investing in a couple wigs. 

4. I try to get ready a couple hours before going

Chronic Illness is extremely volatile but I've personally found it beneficial to give myself 2 hours prep to get ready then meditate and medicate. Since it takes about an hour for me to get ready unless my body is totally slugging on me I usually get a good amount of time to rest crossing my fingers hoping it keeps inclining instead of declining.

5. I shower the night before.

Showering for most people with chronic illness means fatigue fatigue fatigue. For some people doing it the night before can help preserve spoons. As far as lessening overall fatigue I recommend totally lathering first then turning on the water to wash off, instead of getting winded by over exposure to hot water. Using a shower seat, low heat and keeping the door open to let the steam out can help as well.

There are a multitude of adaptation devices you can add to your shower such as bath rails and handles to get in/out. Shower steps, extended shower heads and long bath handle tools if bending down or moving and twisting presents as a problem to you. Also bath mats to prevent slipping and falling & bathroom rugs so that you have a better grip on the ground once you get out of the shower.

6. Spray on lotion.

I love spray on lotion! You just spray and go, no bending, straining or working in the lotion which takes away precious spoons. Remember the goal of the spoonie life is to get as much done while moving as little as possible!

Keep an eye out for more tips on getting ready and tips on actually being out!

Like the pretty & sick background? I spliced it together using different images from around the web your welcome to use it. Just credit my edit hahaha.

Part 2:   http://radspoonietipsntricks.blogspot.com/2017/07/tips-on-survivng-outings.html