We’re delighted to share with you the brilliant expert‑by‑experience life hacks and suggestions that so often come up in our socials and classes, so that more can benefit from the top tips that can make everyday life a little easier.
A special place for YOUR recommendations
💡 Life Hacks - Little tips that make a big difference.
🏢 Organisations - Big businesses to small charities to government schemes that offer something that can make life a little easier.
📺 Viewing - This covers everything entertaining or educational in all its glorious formats including online learning opportunities.
🧰 Equipment - Anything that makes functioning a little, or a lot easier.....
Please note, some of the links below might have affiliate links which means, when used, they could help generate income for Mobilates.
Disclaimer: Suggestions from Da Mob members are based on personal experiences. While these listings aim to help you, what works for one person may not work for another; therefore, it is important that you use your discretion when trying any recommendations. Mobilates and individual members cannot be held responsible for anything you try.
Life Hacks
Hands free Hairdryer Stand
This is one of my favourite examples of a disability hack that helps everyone. It was one of the first things I got when I became disabled and have had a couple of different versions over the years.
The hair dryer stand I use now is actually designed for drying pets, but it works perfectly for humans too. Instead of holding a heavy hair dryer or lifting my arms above my head, I can sit comfortably, rest my arms, and still dry my hair properly.
For anyone with chronic pain, fatigue, joint issues, shoulder problems, or limited mobility, this can make hair washing days far less exhausting. It also helps if standing for long periods is difficult. Added bonus you can do your pets too!
This top tip comes from the Chronically Jenni website that you can find here
Being able to stay seated while moving around reduces fatigue and helps me conserve energy for other tasks. It also lowers the risk of pain flare-ups and makes everyday activities like cooking or tidying more manageable.
This is a great option for anyone who struggles with standing, balance, or endurance
This top tip also comes from the Chronically Jenni website that you can find here
Cutting Veg with Scissors
The Mob Magic group recently had a discussion about the challenges of chopping veggies, and many said that using scissors for lighter-weight vegetables can make it easier. For tougher vegetables people found using and Ulu or Reflex Preparation Knife helpful. We’ve added their fantastic recommendations to the equipment section below.
A huge thanks to the Magic Mob for sharing this awesome hack!
Lets face it cleaning with a chronic illness is not the same as for a pinterest photoshoot. if you choose a room to focus on and set a timer for 10 minutes. Clean and when it goes off, stop, whether you’re done or not. This removes the psychological dread of “I have to clean the whole kitchen” and replaces it with “I only have to do 10 minutes.” Often you’ll find 10 minutes was enough anyway, and if not after a break you can always go back and do another 10 minutes if you really need to.
Good Enough Standards
Kitchen
Dishes in the dishwasher, counters wiped, Bins not overflowing
Bathroom
Toilet clean, sink wiped, towels hung up
Living Room
Sofa cleared, floor passable
Bedroom
Pillows and Duvet or blankets on the bed and clothes off the floor
That’s it. If all four of those things are true, your house is clean enough.
Thanks Saheera for sharing the blog with the Facebook group last month, to go to the full blog tap the link here
Organisations
If you're dealing with fatigue, check out the Cinnamon Club, part of Cinnamon Days, run by Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioners. They support those with ME/CFS, Long Covid, and Fibromyalgia. They offer:
- Monthly webinars on relevant health topics
- Blog posts for members and non-members
- A private Facebook group for support and sharing experiences - A monthly newsletter with updates
- updates on current research
they can also, for a fee connect you with a nutritional therapist for 1:1 support. Clicking here will take you to their website
Thanks Anne for posting about the Cinnamon Club on the Mobilates Facebook group.
PIPP Information Non-Profit CIC (PIPPIN) is a registered C.I.C, not for profit organisation, offering affordable online assistance with Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Work Capability – Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) claims.
PIPP Advocacy LTD (PIPPA) specialises in providing legal support for tribunal appeals for PIP, ADP, ESA, and UC Claims.
They do not offer advice or support by telephone as all questions and queries are dealt with online. Click here to go to their website
Thanks to everyone who has told us about PIPP Advocacy
Many individuals with disabilities require a companion to fully enjoy the cinema experience due to various barriers related to their condition. A CEA Card, which can be used at most cinemas, allows you to bring someone with you for free. The card costs £6 and is valid for one year. The application is easy but does ask you to upload evidence of certain benefits if you are on them, although it also says that applications may be considered on a case-by-case if you cannot find supporting paperwork. You can go to their website by clicking here
Rachel
Viewing
This is a link to a recording I made that was broadcast recently for BBC as an intro to a short story I requested, together with the link to the story on BBC Sounds.
It is such a wonderful story, and speaks to anyone who has reached a crossroads in their life with a diagnosis of unwellness. Click here to go to the recording
Available until mid April
Thank you Bee :)
I really loved this book. So many times I feel bad as I feel upset with how my body has let me down. This book spoke to me and explained all the feelings around denial, anger, sorrow and eventually acceptance but that, like with most experiences of grief, I move in and out of the stages on an ongoing basis. Amazon Link here
Thanks Leanne
Living Well with Chronic Illness: Write your own roadmap to healing in tough times by Grace Quantock
I listened to this book in a weekend as I loved it so much. So many tips to working out how to keep moving forward in a positive way even when things feel horrendous. I really like the exercises too - and no, they are not physical exercises, they are like journal prompts that you can work through in your own time. Love it!
Amazon Link here
Thanks Leanne
Ruby Yao, a 33-year-old single woman who is searching for love, finds herself at the center of a mystery. After one of her ex-boyfriends passes away, others begin suffering the same fate -- mysteriously dying in the order she slept with them. As the body count rises, she is forced to confront her romantic past to figure out what is happening and how to stop the murder spree. Channel 4 link here
Thanks Sophie
Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder by Claire Smith
This groundbreaking book, reviewed by many experts.
Claire Smith provides detailed descriptions of symptoms and associated co-morbidities, and has provided comprehensive, accessible, evidence-based information relating to diagnosis and management. Exercise, physiotherapy, surgery and the psychological effects of the disorder are discussed, as well as what to expect during clinical assessment, and much, much more.
From POTS to MCAS, and from clinical assessment to self-management - if you ever wished that you could find all of the information you need, together, in one place...Look no further
The book is available here
Thank you for the recommendation Kimberlee and Carol
Equipment
Kerry has kindly sent us these Hay Fever survival tips
I favour a tool kit approach so in addition to antihistamines, eye drops, sunglasses and hats I like to use:
A non-drug physical barrier: my go-to is Becodefence Plus Allergy spray. I use it at night and in the day before I go outside. It does make my throat a bit dry but it helps prevent sinus pressure and congestion.
Environmental control: air purifier. I have a Philips Air Purifier 800 series that I bought a few years ago during a bad flare up and it has been so helpful. It’s quiet enough to not bother me at night, the light is very dim.
Soothing spray: I’ve been trying Xlear as recommended by a friend from overseas. It’s available from Amazon and a few pharmacies in the UK. The moisturising effects seem to last longer than Sterimar nasal spray and it helps relieve congestion.
Supplement: Quercetin. The idea is that this helps as a mast cell stabiliser and helps reduce excessive histamine release. Recommended to me by a couple of Mobilates members and I’ve found it really helpful. I take the WeightWorld one which lasts 3 months taking one morning and evening with a meal. As always do check side effects and interaction with any meds you are on. Click on a product image to follow the link.
Thank you Kerry
I have had good experience with Etech Mobility, having bought my Electric Wheelchair from them last year. Their staff really understand their products and want to help people make the right choice and get the right product, even if it means less money for them. I like that they say this on their website "At Etech Mobility, we specialise in electric wheelchairs that are as individual as the people who use them. With a wide range of colours and premium upholstery options, we turn mobility equipment into something expressive and personal." as you can see from the picture above they even have some Mobilates colours! although mine isn't pink I certainly wish I had got it sooner. This link here will take you to their website
Rachel
Very good scissors for cutting up any vegetables that can be cut with scissors. also scissors are great at cutting pizza too! Click here to see them on Amazon
Thank for the recommendation
Catarina
The Reflex Preparation knife is part of the Reflex range, known for its ergonomic design aimed at reducing wrist strain and improving ease of use. The contoured grip handle is closed and angled, minimising wrist movement and offering better control and comfort, particularly beneficial for users with limited wrist mobility or grip strength. Vixie she says it was a bit weird to get the hang of but it is easier to use than other knifes as the power comes from your arms which she finds easier. You can find the knife on the essential aids website here
Thanks for the recommendation Vixie :)
Oxo Good Grips Scissors can be a slightly cheaper option than the Frikars Scissors, The blades can also come apart for cleaning. The good grips range are really handy so other products they make are also worth checking out. The Scissors can be found here on Amazon
Thank for the recommendation
Nicola
Do you have any top tips? if so Da Mob would love to hear them so please send your LOVE suggestions to info@mobilates.com for inclusion in the next newsletter and on this page.