When you’re suffering from a chronic disease such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, where every task becomes very difficult or even impossible, it is very important to simplify your life. Everything that gives you the slightest relief helps right now.

At this point keep one thing in mind and make it your rule number 1:

When having a chronic disease combined with chronic fatigue there is one topic that should be right at the top of your list of priorities:

DOWN-SIZING

You may not like it, but consider this, do you have a choice right now? The message of your body is a very clear one. You have to down-size. You’ll see, once you get through the whole down-sizing and simplifying process, you will feel much better, lighter and even healthier. It reduces your stress levels tremendously. The less inner pressure you have, the better you will feel health wise. As a Fibromyalgic you should reduce stress wherever and whenever you can. This is very crucial.

Here are 13 tips on how you can simplify your life as a fibromyalgia sufferer:

1. Make a list of things to do for the times when you are too foggy to think. It helps you to keep on track so that nothing of importance gets forgotten due to the brain fog.

2. Don't do any major housework the day before anything important is planned.

3. Organize a "housecleaning party" one a month with your family. Make it a ritual.

4. Do your grocery shopping online and have the groceries delivered to your door. It cuts down on compulsive buying, saves you gas and your precious energy.

5. Pay your bills and do your banking online. It does not only save time and precious energy, but also gasoline.

6. Use the OHIO Method: Only Handle It Once. Apply that especially to the mail. Once you have the mail in your hand, handle it until it’s done and you can either throw it away or file it.

7. If filing is a problem for you, file your documents in labeled file hangers instead of binders.

8. Keep a special file hanger for all the receipts that you will use for tax deductions. Another folder is for medical and prescription.

9. Keep a list of your medications, medical conditions, names, addresses, phone and fax numbers of all of your doctors and family members. Keep copies of blood work, doctors visits, MRI's, and other tests with you so you have them without having to request them every time. Keep a file of all of your medical information.

We have a saying in my country: Good health is not everything, but without good health everything else is nothing. I’m sure you entirely agree with that statement. Only someone who is suffering like you are can really get this statement.

With only a few steps you can make your life much easier and simpler and reduce a lot of stress and overwhelm. Good luck and have fun with your simplifying process!