My Brain Fog Be-Gone Buddy: How Alexa Keeps My Life on Track (and My Spirits Up)

My husband and I were talking one evening last week and the subject of my Amazon "Alexa's" came up. We felt that most were either Yay or Nay, and that some would find the conspiracy in it. 

*My independent review...I was not paid for this post, it's based on my personal experience with the technology.*

Let's be honest, living with chronic pain is exhausting. It's not just the physical discomfort, but the mental toll it takes. Brain fog, memory issues, retention issues, multitasking makes me panic, and the constant struggle to keep up with daily life can be truly overwhelming. But here's the thing: I found a secret weapon in my fight against chronic pain-induced chaos – my Amazon Echo Show 8.

Yes, you read that right. My Alexa isn't just a fancy speaker playing my favorite tunes (though it does that too!). It's become my personal assistant, my memory keeper, and honestly, a bit of a lifeline.

Alexa: My Ever-Present, Ever-Patient Assistant

The beauty of Alexa lies in its simplicity. Need to remember a doctor's appointment? Just say, "Alexa, remind me about my doctor's appointment on Tuesday at 2 PM." Worried about forgetting to take your medication? "Alexa, set a recurring reminder for my meds at 8 AM and 8 PM daily."

And the best part? She never judges, never gets tired, and never forgets. For someone like me, who struggles with brain fog and memory lapses, this is an absolute game-changer.

More Than Just Reminders: Alexa's Hidden Talents

Beyond the basics, I've discovered a whole world of ways Alexa helps me manage my chronic pain and its effects:

• Keeping me connected: It's easy to isolate yourself when you're in pain. Alexa helps me stay connected with loved ones through calls, messages, and even drop-ins. I can video chat from it and it keeps both hands free to do things like folding laundry while on a video call with my mom or husband when he's working.

• Managing my mood: When pain flares up and my mood plummets, I ask Alexa to play my favorite uplifting music or a calming meditation. It's surprisingly effective! I also enjoy playing my "Mere is Cool" playlist I'm creating by going through Apple Music's "decades" in the genres I like. It's such a good mix of both new and classic rock that it doesn't take hearing many of the songs to put me in a better more productive mood.

• Staying organized: Alexa helps me create shopping lists, manage my calendar, and even control my smart home devices (turning off lights when I'm too exhausted to get up is a blessing!). We've got smart plugs and smart lights and when you don't think you have the energy to get up and turn off the light, it comes in handy.

Unlocking Alexa's Potential: New Frontiers

While I primarily use Alexa for reminders and organization, I'm constantly discovering new ways she can assist me. For instance, I recently learned about:

• Alexa Skills for Chronic Pain: There are skills specifically designed for pain management, offering guided meditations, relaxation techniques, and even pain tracking tools. Currently I'm going through each feature to see what I'm interested in setting up.

• Routines: I can create personalized routines that combine multiple actions with a single command. Imagine saying "Alexa, good morning" and having her turn on the lights, start the coffee maker, and tell you the day's weather and appointments. How cool is that? It is such a handy feature as I often have no clue what I'm supposed to do that day but sometimes forget to check, so this is really handy and prompts me to plan today's commitments and tasks.

Why Alexa Works So Well for the Disabled and Chronically Ill

For those of us with disabilities or invisible illnesses, Alexa offers:

• Accessibility: Voice control is a game-changer when physical limitations make using traditional devices difficult. I don't always have the brain power for putting my thoughts into words and Alexa helps me now with that.

• Cognitive Support: Alexa acts as an external memory aid, reducing the cognitive burden and stress. It takes the pressure off my loved ones, especially my mom, to have to always remind me and tell me what I'm supposed to be doing that day.

• Independence: By helping us manage daily tasks, Alexa empowers us to live more independently. I am able to rely on others less because Alexa gives me reminders and it does help me feel a sense of independence and a little proud I found a way to manage some of my medical care myself.

My Amazon Echo Show 8 has truly transformed my life. It's not a cure for chronic pain, but it's a powerful tool that helps me navigate the challenges, stay organized, and maintain a sense of control. If you're struggling with the effects of chronic pain, I highly recommend giving Alexa a try. You might be surprised at how much it can help.