Helpful Strategies for Easier Daily Living With COPD

Habits, which are like the many sides of daily life, are often what hold our days together. For people with COPD, these habits are even more important and require a balance between how well they work and how much energy they use.

Ideas to help streamline your daily life with COPD

Hygiene

For my everyday routine when I get up in the morning and I'm not taking a shower, I sit on my toilet to get ready. If my bathroom was bigger, I would probably have a chair in there but I think this works just fine.

Before I sit down I gather all of my clothes, soap, deoderant, washclothe, and towels. My sink is right next to my toilet so I have easy access to that. I put my clothes on the washer in front me and wash up.

Sitting on the toilet saves so much breath and energy. I get washed up and dressed while I’m sitting there and then after I am done with that I stand to wash my hands and brush my teeth.

Some days I do need to do a breathing treatment and take my meds before I can do this but there are some days that I am able to do this before.

Cooking

When I’m cooking, I do everything I can to make things a little easier. I get out everything I need to prepare a meal at once so I don't have to go back and forth while cooking.

I put together all of my ingredients, utensils, measuring spoons and cups, seasonings, bowls, pans, and sometimes a stool so I can sit and do some of the prep work. As most of us with COPD know, we need to take many breaks, so I try to have all of my prep work done before I start to cook and not have to do it as I go.

Having all of that prepared and a stool for breaks as needed helps me to prepare a meal with more ease.

Cleaning

For cleaning, I have a stool that helps me get down to dust on lower shelves, etc. I sit down to vacuum in areas that I can reach by my couch and chairs after I have taken a moment to rest in between. Any little thing that I can do that makes my tasks a little easier.

When I do dishes, I usually break them up into groups. I will wash all of the cups and take a break while the silverware soaks, then work on my bowls, plates, pans, etc, taking a break after each one if needed. I always let them air dry and then put them away in groups as needed as well, although I don't usually need breaks from putting them away because it seems to go much easier.

Finding what works best for you

As you can see, there are many ways to make your life easier, you just have to see what works for you.

Thankfully, my house isn’t that big so I don’t have much upkeep but I think if it was bigger I might hire someone to do the big jobs.

I want to keep doing what I can, while I can, because it’s what is best for me. I do have my husband, my kids, and grandkids to help where needed. I am so thankful and am blessed to have them.

Do you have any great tips or ideas to help with your daily living skills? Please share with us in the comments below.