Sometimes the 24 hours in a day are simply not enough to accomplish everything that needs to be done, this is especially true for patients that suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). From thinking about what the next healthy meal will be, doctors appointments, refilling medications, running errands, and completing hobbies, patients are often left with little to no down time to relax and have some personal time. Though it may feel as if there are simply not enough hours in the day, there are tips on how you can better manage your time while balancing the treatment for COPD, and today is the day that you learn those time management skills!
Remembering medication schedules, doctors appointments, and whipping up something for dinner is probably one your mind frequently throughout the day requiring a lot of time. Your COPD treatment and other daily errands do not have to consume your entire day, if you are looking for more free time or even ways to better manage your time, try some of the following tips:
Stay Occupied While Waiting
Bring a book, crossword puzzle, or maybe some unfinished work with you to doctors and other appointments that you can complete for the duration of your wait period. This way you will both pass the wait time, as well as completing a few extra tasks that will free up additional time in your day.
Use the Internet to Your Advantage
The advancements of the internet over the years has made it one of the most viable tools for patients with COPD, this is simply because normal errands such as refilling prescriptions can all be done online from the comfort of your home. The internet allows you to email any questions you may have to your doctor, schedule refills for prescriptions, pay bills, and you can even shop for groceries online. All those tasks that would typically require you to drive to the post office and all over town, you can now do from your home while undergoing oxygen therapy. Not to mention the money you will save on gas!
Write Questions Down
Whether it is on the notepad on your smartphone or on a good ol' fashioned piece of paper, as you go throughout your day and have questions about your treatment or health be sure to write them down. Over time you may begin to comprise a list full of questions, which is perfect, as this will eliminate you having to recall questions in the middle of the appointment or spending additional time to call back. Jotting questions down will also reduce the overall time you are in your doctors appointments.
Combine Tasks
If you have an appointment schedule, map out your route so you can stop by the grocery store to pick up ingredients for dinner, or swing by the post office to send a package out after you are done with the appointment on your way home. If you have to leave the house to run some errands, try to complete as many tasks as possible on your to do list in a single trip.
Ask Friends and Family to Help Out
Save time and energy by asking friends or loved ones to pick up a few of the necessities from the store while they are out, ask them to swing by the pharmacy to pick up prescription refills, or if you are swamped at work and have an appointment ask a friendly co-worker if they could fill in for you while you are gone. Friends and loved ones would be more than happy to help you out, all you have to do is ask.
Take Some Personal Time
Completing oxygen therapy daily, running errands, and dealing with the constant symptoms associated with COPD can really take a toll on your well being. So make sure to set some time aside for yourself for you to relax, a great option is to take a weekend getaway with a spouse or friends to really rejuvenate that kick in your step.
Apply these basic time saving tips into your daily life and you will begin to notice you have more and more time in your day. The excess time means you can relax, catch up on book club, or who knows you may discover a new hobby you thoroughly enjoy!