Some of us are reluctant to ask others to help us do things that we've always done without a problem. But with lupus, helping ourselves and allowing others to help us is a must. Here's are a couple of lists to chew on. Can you think of others?

ENLISTING HELP
Hire a cleaning service
Order your groceries online and have them delivered
Outsource yard work
Accept meals from organizations catering to the sick or homebound
Mail-order your prescriptions
Order gifts online and have them shipped to the recipient directly
Have gifts professionally gift-wrapped save your swollen fingers the trouble
Hire a caterer when you host a party
Bring a side dish from your favorite restaurant to your next potluck dinner, or buy pre-made shes from the grocery store
Pull into the full-serve gas pump every once in awhile to give yourself a break
Say Yes when the attendant at the grocery store asks, Need help outside?
Ask the store clerk to help you with hard-to-unwrap items (e.g. CDs and DVDs, anything with a twist-off cap) immediately after youve purchased them, if no one is at home to help you
Hire someone to walk/groom/care for your pets
Hire a handy man to help with everything and anything around the house
Ask your grocery store deli or bakery to slice, cut, or pre-package items so that you dont have to
Use a dry cleaning service that picks up and delivers
Use the skycap service at the airport or a bellman at a hotel to handle your luggage
Let someone help you when assistance is offered each and every time

HELPING YOURSELF
Schedule doctors appointments or errands during your most mobile, agile time of the day or week
Switch your wardrobe to pullover tops and pull up pants or skirts. Forget the buttons!
Wear clasp-less jewelry slide-on bracelets and necklaces can be just as cute
Invest in soft, wireless bandeau bras if the hard wires of traditional bras are painful to you
and dont worry that they might not be as flattering. When you have a grimace on your face because youre in pain, youre probably even less attractive. (You wont have to remove them for X-Rays, either!)
Use weekly pillboxes or something like Sara Gorman's Pillbags to organize your medicines
Use lightweight plastic cups instead of heavy glassware. Your joints will thank you
Alter your hairstyle so that you have an easier do with which to work. Dont you remember Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias?
Buy a wig if youre losing your hair or invest in a couple of cute hats. Youll save yourself the aggravation of trying to make those thin little wisps of yours behave
Utilize a cane, walker, or wheelchair when necessary. Dont be embarrassed hobbling
around as if youre about to collapse is what calls attention to yourself. Breezing along with the help of a walking device does the opposite!
Buy easy-open toiletries, groceries, etc.
Invest in a letter opener for mail, etc.
Replace your kitchen utensils with the easy-grip brands they really make a difference
Make life with pets as easy as you can if picking them up is too strenuous, purchase an ottoman so they can hop up and down on your lap without your help
Wear silky pajamas to bed, making it easier to turn over without disturbing your joints
Swap out hard-to-turn faucets or door handles for easier turning levers
Buy or request large print books from the store or library, if your vision is failing you
Buy single-use packets of dishwashing soap and laundry detergent so that you dont have to measure out or pour anything
Carry non-zip bags and purses, and empty them of all of the heavy items you shouldnt be lugging around
Ditch the over the shoulder duffle bags and always opt for wheeled luggage
Pay your bills online