Encourage
familiar routines
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Encourage familiar routines
5 Everyday Activity Tips for ATTR-CM Caregivers
Daily tasks can add up quickly, especially when energy levels fluctuate from day to day.
It's crucial to match activities to energy levels,
as our bodies will let us know when we need
to rest. Try to manage energy levels by completing small tasks and stopping before becoming too
tired or fatigued. Trying different methods, such
as the "spoon theory," may help determine the best way to allocate energy.
Listen to energy levels
Support social activities
Keep these tips in mind:
Only participate in activities that fit your health goals and fitness level. If that's simple maintenance, that's OK!
Spread your activities out over the week. Even light gardening or pushing a shopping cart in the supermarket counts as exercise.
Think about safety first and make sensible choices. Consider when, where, and how to get light exercise. Consider additional variables, such as weather, and adapt plans as necessary.
Rest when required. Listening to our bodies is crucial for maintaining health. If things become too difficult, break it down into smaller steps. However, it's OK to stop and try again another time.
Stay as active as you are able
Offering choices
to support independence
Listen to
energy levels
Support social
activities
Offering choices
to support independence
Stay as active
as you are able
Keeping regular times for waking, sleeping,
eating, socializing, taking a short walk, or doing light housework can have multiple health and
well-being benefits.
Familiar routines can create a sense of stability and structure, which may help reduce confusion, stress, and anxiety. Feeling anxious and stressed can negatively impact heart health, so it is essential to make daily activities as calm and pleasant as possible.
Engaging in social activities can help ease feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which may otherwise worsen health conditions.
There are many ways for people with challenging health conditions to socialize. Options may include shared-interest groups or low-energy activities such as walking, knitting or crocheting, gardening, listening to music, or watching movies together.
Encouraging people to make decisions about
their day, time, healthcare, and future can help them hold onto their independence and dignity.
Take the time to explore supportive resources
that can help make daily life with ATTR-CM easier. This may include arranging transportation
to appointments, helping facilitate activities,
or learning new technologies that support connection.
Don't be afraid to have open, honest conversations about what will make life easier and more enjoyable.
Physical activity can be more challenging with
ATTR-CM, but by following a regular routine,
you may be able to maintain both your physical and mental fitness.
