A little organization and planning will save you vast amounts of wasted energy. For example, an efficient work space is extremely important. In your place of employment, store all the equipment that you generally need within easy reach and at a convenient height. Put things in their place, and know where things are kept. This way you won’t waste energy looking for things or getting up frequently to retrieve something. Avoid clutter, and ask others to help you with this.

At home, store necessities for each task near the place where the task is performed. For example, store the wash detergent with the laundry basket, washer, and dryer. (Incidentally, asking family members to bring their dirty clothes to – and collect their clean ones from – the laundry area means that each person expends a little energy rather that one person expending a lot.)
For you, effective planning might involve participating in more bulk activities. For instance, cooking bulk quantities on the weekend is a great idea. Making a large pan of lasagna or batch of chili and freezing portions for future use can save a lot of energy during a busy week. And if you wake up not feeling very well, you can take a package from the freezer for dinner later. Keeping convenience foods on hand for bad days is another good idea.
Bulk shopping can be useful, too. Once a month take someone shopping with you and purchase staple items that you know you’ll need for the month: sugar, flour, condiments, paper goods, cereal. That way you’ll only need to shop more frequently for perishables, and your shopping load will be lighter. Avoid purchasing items in industrial size containers, however, because these will put stress on your hands and wrists (or, if you prefer to buy goods in these large containers, make plans to divide them up into smaller portions).
What about energy for social outings? You may be avoiding all social events, fearing that you won’t have enough energy or that you’ll hold everyone else back. There are some activities you will temporarily need to avoid when your energy level is very low. These activities include all-or-none outings that don’t allow time for adequate rest breaks. Large group walking tours are notorious for this, and you shouldn’t push yourself in an effort to keep up. If you must decline a social invitation, be sure to let your friends know that you are still interested in future activities and want to be included. Your tasks will be to help organize activities for your family and friends which will allow for rest and to remember to rest adequately the day before a planned activity. Only you know your own limitations. If you take an interest in outside activities you’ll find that loved ones can be extremely flexible. After all, it makes them feel bad when you can’t participate. So, get involved.
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ARTHRITIS