Organizing with Chronic Migraine

Living with chronic migraine affects everyday living in so many ways. One of these ways is when it comes to trying to organize your home.

I am currently cleaning out the spare bedroom to make room for a possible roommate to move in. I did not realize just how much stuff I had hidden in that bedroom until I started the task of sorting items into piles to keep and piles to donate.

How am I protecting against bright lights?

Since this bedroom has never been used, aside from being my storage unit, the windows do not have room-darkening curtains on them. This allows enough light to come into the room so that I can see without having to turn the bedroom lights on.

If this was not the case, I would use my indoor TheraSpecs to help me work with the bedroom lights on all day. TheraSpecs are a type of glasses that filter out the blue lights that can trigger a migraine.

How am I avoiding the heat?

Here in the South, our weather does not care about the time of the year. It is still pretty hot outside. I have found that being in the heat makes my migraine pain worse. This means I keep the house cooler than most people do during the day.

But it also means that I try to limit my time in the garage or the shed. These two places are relevant because this is where the donation pile is being made, and the storage containers are kept.

I have already boxed up my high-heeled boots and spare blankets. I have not been able to wear any of my high heels since my knee surgery last April. This box can go into the attic for now. The box of blankets will likely stay in the garage so that it is easy to access when needed.

Am I staying hydrated?

While it may not seem like such a major thing when you are working inside the house, it is still important to stay hydrated.

It can be very taxing to force your body to function while it is dealing with a migraine. Becoming dehydrated can make a migraine much worse.

How am I taking breaks?

Slow and steady is the way to go when it comes to getting things done with a migraine. While it may seem frustrating to take a break when you have a good pace, it is better to take a small break than to completely exhaust yourself.

I enjoy taking a break with my puppies and a cold bottle of water. Stealing some puppy cuddles helps me feel just a little bit better, even when I have a never-ending migraine.

What do I need to let go of?

I have noticed that it is harder to let go of clothing or other items from when I felt better. It is like having a sentimental attachment to a time when migraine did not completely rule my life. But I know these items still need to go.

Do you have any tips and tricks to organizing your home while dealing with or living with a migraine?