Hey everyone, a couple things before I get into this column: First, this month I plan to roll out audio with my column so I can extend my “readability” and be more accessible to all of you. Next, I want to talk a little bit about what inspired this piece. Many personal and health things are happening in my life currently, and I hope to be able to share all of them with you soon.

But I’ve found that when you have so much going on, it is best to cling to the simple things and the things that make life easier. I like to have an organized space when I feel overwhelmed, and I am also clean when I am upset. I can also be the person whose body crashes and burns and I haven’t vacuumed my house in a week, and I’ve got about three months’ worth of laundry piled up. This week I’m going to tell you how you can combat that.

I’m just curious, does anyone notice “negative” changes with your body during nice weather? Even though it’s finally getting warm out, I feel like my body is taking forever to adjust and my recovery phases are taking longer. Does that make sense? Maybe I’m more active than I realize, or maybe I’m just getting older. Anyway, here’s how to reclaim your spoons!

Put a trash can in every room. This means you can always throw things away where you are, instead of taking your stuff with you. By “stuff” I mean things that you may need or use often: medicines, heating pads, socks, extra chargers, etc. If you have these things tucked away everywhere, you don’t need to waste your energy going to get them or making multiple trips.

Leave a room better than you found it. When you walk into your bathroom, pick up any pieces of clothing that are on the floor, wipe down the sink, or clean up a few towels. I know this sounds like a horrible idea the first time you hear it, but I promise that once you start doing it, it makes all the difference.

Tip: If you see something that belongs in another room and you’re leaving the room, take the thing with you and put it away.

I also have a ton of storage baskets in my bed and bathroom where I can easily store and get things.

Get creative. What can you do sitting, for example? Getting a shower chair and a removable shower head was one of the best ways I found to save my energy and manage my pain.

Wipes. Seriously, what can’t you clean with wipes?

Have a vacuum with a handheld piece so that you can vacuum some areas from a chair. Remember, you don’t have to look good — you just have to get the job done.

Don’t be afraid to try something new to increase your independence and to manage your pain. You never know what you’re capable of.

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Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disorder. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cerebral Palsy News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cerebral palsy.