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What new habits or skills are you working on?
Lately, I’ve noticed I’m taking a lot longer to finish my meals. I’m eating and drinking OK, but languishing too long due to distractions like reading the newspaper or checking messages on my tablet. It’s a habit I want to change. So, I’ve set a new goal for myself to focus on the meal and finish within 30 minutes.
I’ve also begun doing specific finger and hand stretches before I begin typing on my computer.
What new habits or skills are you working on?
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8 Replies
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Sometimes we don’t realize we’re accommodating or compensating for an ALS symptom… that leads us into a negative habit. For example, I have the tendency to sit for long periods of time due to weak legs and ALS-related lethargy. I now try to take a break every 1/2 hr. to bend & extend my legs (5-8 times each leg) and stretch my arms up while leaning back. It’s a new habit that helps me live with my ALS.
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Dagmar,
I think you are reading my mind! The past couple of months I’ve noticed it I don’t stand up at least every 30 minutes or slow my legs are extremely stiff and it takes me a few minutes to get moving. I’m grateful I can still walk, but I know I need to focus on keeping the skills I have. One way I can do that is by setting an alarm every 30 minutes to remind me to get up and stretch.
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Myself im learning not to bite my lip or inside of jaw or slobbing all over myself doctor suppose to give me sometning to cut down on it.
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Right now, I am working on improving my handwriting. Whether it’s from my ALS or too much typing, my penmanship is awful. It looks like I’m writing while riding in a bumpy train car! Since my handwriting is one of the ALSFRS-R questions at every ALS clinic visit…. I’ve been practicing my signature and making circles and “s” shapes on paper. There’s lots of helpful YouTube videos out on “improving your handwriting” – – so, I encourage you to give them a try.
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I try to exercise daily on my massage table and walk a little bit with my husband helping me. I may never get out of the wheelchair again, but I want to keep the little bit of strength and flexibility I have left as long as I can. My PT is still coming to my house once a week and I have him passively exercise the arm and shoulder that I am unable to exercise myself.
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So good to learn you are doing this Janet! Bravo!
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I really enjoy eating, and although it takes me a bit longer to finish, my wife purchased an adaptive non-slip bowl and plate with raised edges to make it easier to scoop. I’ve also been using an insulated cup with a handle and optional cover. Tried several handle cups but this one is lightest and easiest for me to use.
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I have incorporated daily journaling on my phone in my notes app.
I am also realizing that since retiring at the end of July I ‘m not up & down a lot so I exercise throughout the day.
Small movement makes a moment! And i was inspired by Dagmar’s “Recess” article. That’s all for now!!
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