Welcome back to the Bendy Club blog! This week, we’re diving into how to transform your home into a sanctuary that supports your health and well-being. Living with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be challenging, but creating a comfortable and safe environment can make a world of difference.
Why This Matters
Your home is your haven, a place where you should feel safe, comfortable, and supported. For those with HSD or EDS, adapting your living space can significantly improve your quality of life by reducing pain, preventing injuries, and promoting overall well-being.
Key Areas to Focus On
- Ergonomic Workspaces: If you spend a lot of time on the computer (which who doesn’t these days), ensure your workstation is ergonomically designed. Purchasing a high quality chair with proper low back support either built into the chair or an external cushion can help greatly. You also should have your computer screen positioned at eye level. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. If you have an external monitor then just raise the level or put some books or a shoe box under the monitor to raise it. If you use a laptop then again raise the whole laptop up to eye level and then get an external keyboard. Another option many find helpful is to have a transition desk. Standing all day long is going to be as difficult or more difficult to sitting all day, but being able to stand for a period of time, sit for a period of time, kneel on one knee for a period of time, that will allow you to decrease your pain throughout the day. Movement is key and having different options to switch to throughout the day will put less stress on the body.
- Comfortable Seating Options: Have different areas in your home where you can sit and rest. Use chairs that provide good back support, and consider options like recliners or ergonomic lounge chairs for relaxation. Keep cushions and pillows handy to add extra support as needed. Make sure that you have support for the neck. Sitting up and supporting your neck is difficult for many with hypermobility. Using a chair with a neck rest or extra pillows to support the neck can be helpful.
- Safe and Ergonomic Kitchen: The kitchen is a place where you spend a lot of time, so make it as ergonomic as possible. Use anti-fatigue mats to reduce strain while standing, and have chairs or stools available to take breaks. Use bracing for the wrist and fingers when cutting, chopping, and lifting. Store frequently used items within easy reach to avoid excessive bending or stretching. Equip your kitchen with assistive devices like jar openers, ergonomic knives, and easy-grip utensils. Try to pay attention to the things that are difficult for you and find alternatives or assistive devices to make cooking easier.
- Supportive Bedding: Choose a mattress and pillows that offer proper support and alignment for your body. Memory foam or adjustable beds can be particularly beneficial.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature to help manage symptoms like muscle stiffness and pain. Use fans, heaters, or air conditioners as needed to achieve your ideal environment.
Practical Tips for a Healthier Home
- Create a Relaxation Space: Designate a quiet area in your home for relaxation and mindfulness practices. Use calming colors, soft lighting, and comfortable seating to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Use Adaptive Equipment: Equip your home with tools that can help you manage daily tasks more easily. This might include grab bars in the bathroom, reachers for high shelves, or adaptive kitchen tools.
- Organize Smartly: Keep your home organized to reduce stress and make it easier to find what you need. Keep heavy appliances easily accessible. Don’t but your heavy crock pot up on the highest shelf.
- Incorporate Greenery: Houseplants can improve air quality and create a calming environment. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors. Aloe, grass plants, and snake plants all help improve air quality in the home.
- Improve Lighting: Ensure your home is well-lit to prevent accidents and reduce eye strain. Consider using adjustable lighting to create the right ambiance for different activities.
Action Steps for Creating an Ergonomic Home
- Ergonomic Workspaces: Invest in a sit-stand desk and an ergonomic chair with lumbar support. Adjust your computer screen to eye level and use an external keyboard and mouse that minimize strain on your wrists and hands. Set reminders to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.
- Kitchen Ergonomics: Use anti-fatigue mats in areas where you stand for extended periods, such as in front of the sink or stove. Keep a chair or stool in the kitchen to take breaks while cooking. Organize your kitchen so that frequently used items are easily accessible, reducing the need for reaching and bending.
- Accessible Tools: Ensure that tools and utensils are stored within easy reach. Use pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and drawer organizers to keep things tidy and accessible. Consider adaptive kitchen tools like jar openers, ergonomic knives, and easy-grip utensils to make cooking tasks easier.
Emily’s Home Transformation
Emily, living with EDS, struggled with chronic pain and frequent injuries at home. She decided to adapt her environment to better support her needs. By investing in ergonomic furniture, reorganizing her space for accessibility, and creating a dedicated relaxation corner, Emily found significant relief. Her home is now a place of comfort and healing making everyday tasks easier and less painful.
Share Your Journey
We encourage you to share your experiences and connect with others on our social media platforms. By building a supportive community, we can help each other navigate the challenges of living with HSD and EDS and discover new ways to create a healthier home environment together.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
For those seeking personalized guidance, our 1-on-1 coaching program offers tailored support to address your specific needs. With expert advice and a comprehensive plan, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to manage your condition effectively. Learn more and sign up here.
Thank you for being part of the Bendy Club. Together, we can make a difference!
Warm regards,
The Hypermobile Solutions Team
References
Adapting your house when you have arthritis: Arthritis foundation. Adapting Your House When You Have Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/daily-living/life-hacks-tips/adapting-your-house
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, May 25). Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169
Home. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
What is HSD?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/
What is eds?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
Jovin, D., Atwal, P., Herman, K., Block, N., Maxwell, A. J., Mitakides, J., Maitland, A. M., Saperstein, D., Hamilton, M., Schofield, J., Koby, M., Klinge, P., McElroy, A., Bluestein, L., Chopra, P., Tishler, J., Pocinki, A. G., Varga, J., Dempsey, T., … Lane, K. (2020). Disjointed: Navigating the diagnosis and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Hidden Stripes Publications, Inc.
Smith, C., & Wicks, D. (2017). Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: (previously known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, respectively). Redcliff-House Publications.
Cox, C. (2022). Holding it all together when you’re Hypermobile. Journey2Joy
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no provider/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.