Grocery Shopping With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Step #1 - The List is Key Keep a running list at home by writing things down as soon as you realize you need them. I keep a notepad with a magnet on the back on my fridge, so its convenient. That way, you dont forget half of what you meant to write down. I try to keep my list organized by what area of the store things are in. For example, I put fresh produce at the top, general grocery items below that, then pet-related items, then pharmacy items. Because a forgotten shopping list is a frequent nemesis, I try to put my grocery list in my purse as soon as I decide Ill be going that day. I also try to remember to double check that its there before I leave the house. Step #2 - Choose Your Time Wisely When do you have the most energy? Thats the time of day to go shopping. You also want to schedule shopping trips for days when you dont have a lot of other physical demands. Shopping and doing laundry on the same day is not good pacing! Also, consider what times the store is more likely to be busy. Weekends or after 5:30 on weekdays are usually the peak times, which means youll be fighting through noisy crowds and could have a lot more problems with anxiety and brain fog. Weekday mornings or early afternoons might work better for you. Step #3 - Avoid the Unknown Try to stick to stores you know well, so you dont get disoriented trying to find things. If youre at a new store, or your store rearranges things, ask for a map -- it should show you what items are in which aisle. Then, take a minute or two, preferably sitting down, to figure out where youre going. It might help to ask for a map even at the stores you know -- that way, you can take it home and use it to organize your list for the next time. Step #4 - A Good Parking Spot Of course, wed all like to be able to pull into the parking lot and find an available space right by the door. When you cant find one near the entrance, however, try to park near a cart return -- thatll mean less walking at the end of your trip, when your pain and fatigue are likely to be worst. If it helps you to lean on a cart, you can easily pick one up on your way in. If you think a handicapped parking permit would help you, apply for one. Those arent just for people in wheelchairs! Step #5 - Check the Cart Its bad enough that you have to walk and push something that grows increasingly heavier -- dont let the cart be an added drain on your energy. Before you start shopping, make sure youve got one that rolls well and doesnt pull to one side. If youre just going for a few items, you might want to grab a cart instead of a basket -- especially if those items are heavy. The weighted basket can pull on one side of your body and cause pain quickly, and just holding it can change the way you walk. An added plus -- you can lean on the cart when you get tired. Step #6 - Pick Your Starting Point Where in the store are the most important items on your list? If you can identify that area, you can park near the correct entrance (if theres more than one) and head there right away. Knowing that you have your highest priority items early frees you up to cut the trip short if you have to. Step #7 - Dont Forget to Breathe! The advice you may remember from a pre-illness aerobics class holds true here as well -- things like pain and anxiety can make us breathe shallowly or hold our breath. Breathing slowly and deeply can keep oxygen going to your brain and muscles, and help prevent a take-over by fog and anxiety. If you feel panic creeping up, stop for a moment (pretend youre browsing) and take a few deep breaths before continuing on. Step #8 - Your Shopping Soundtrack. Consider taking a portable music device and earphones. That way, you wont be distracted or aggravated by noises. You can also chose the right music for you -- something soothing if you tend to get overwhelmed and anxious, or something up beat if it helps you find the energy to get the job done. Step #9 - Checking Out Of course, the shorter the check-out lines the better. I find that the express lane is often empty when other lines are long -- if thats the case, explain to the checker that youre not feeling well and ask if you can come through even though you have more items than allowed. It seems like every store has a different kind of card reader, and they can be confusing. If you find yourself not quite knowing what to do, ask the checker to scan your card for you. Also, dont panic if you think youre holding up the line because youre slow to get or put away your wallet -- plenty of perfectly healthy people with no good excuse hold up lines every day! Just take a deep breath and ignore the people behind you. Step #10 - Bag It! If you use recyclable bags, ask the checker/bagger not to load them too full -- they hold a lot more weight than paper of plastic, and youre the one who has to haul them into the house. Finally, always accept the offer to have someone take your groceries out and load them for you. And if no one makes the offer, ask for help out -- its someones job
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 19:15:47 +0000
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