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When you are doing the housework:
- Prioritise what tasks need to be done, and plan into your day and throughout your week. Do not try to get it all done at once.
- Schedule more demanding tasks for the time of day which is best for you. Remember to pace yourself, resting after each stage of a task to manage increased breathlessness.
- Some housework tasks are harder than others. Changing a duvet cover or making a bed can be heavy work. Get help or try doing this in stages rather than all at once.
- Vacuuming can also be difficult because of the weight of the machine and the dust. If you are buying a new vacuum cleaner think about getting a light weight model.
- If you have dust mite allergies, vacuuming can disturb dust into the air and increase your asthma or allergy symptoms. If you can, ask someone else to vacuum for you and don’t go back into the room until dust has time to settle.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth when dusting. This will help to keep the dust from spreading in the air around you and getting into your lungs.
- Try to sit down when you are ironing or washing up.
- Avoid strong scented air fresheners.
