How I Make Passive Income From Bed (Even With Chronic Illness)
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably Googled “how to make money from home” more times than you’d care to admit. I’ve spent over 15 years trying everything from selling on Etsy to day trading, hoping to find something that actually worked and didn’t drain me.
Living with fibromyalgia, the need for flexibility, comfort, and rest isn’t optional — it’s my reality. That’s why I created Soft Side Hustle: a place for women like us to explore gentle, realistic ways to build income from the sofa, the bed… or wherever we’re able to show up that day.
Here’s how I’m making money online — even on my low-energy, hot-water-bottle kind of days.
1. Blogging With Purpose (and Affiliate Links)
I never thought blogging could be an income stream — it seemed like something only influencers did. But once I realised I could write short, helpful posts about things I was already doing (like saving money, working from bed, or comfy home finds), it clicked.
I started adding affiliate links to products I love — like my ergonomic pillow or the flare-day heating pad I swear by. When someone clicks my link and makes a purchase, I earn a commission — at no extra cost to them.
It’s slow and steady, but it adds up. And the best part? I can write whenever I have the energy, then rest while it works for me in the background.
2. Promoting a One-Time Course I Believe In
I’m also an affiliate for a course that teaches others how to make money with their own blog and affiliate links. It’s called The Roadmap, and it’s the kind of course I wish I’d found earlier — clear, no fluff, and designed for beginners.
Since I paid for the course myself, I can now promote it and earn a commission every time someone else signs up through my link. I share my experience in blog posts and Pinterest pins, and because I genuinely believe in the program, the promotion feels honest and easy.
3. Making Pins Work Harder Than I Can
Pinterest is my secret weapon. It doesn’t require me to be “on” like TikTok or Instagram. I design beautiful pins (using Canva and a few saved templates), link them to my blog posts, and watch them bring in traffic.
It’s ideal for someone with chronic illness because you can batch-create pins on a good day and let them do the work for weeks or months.
Pinterest is also where I get most of my affiliate clicks, especially for things like soft loungewear, digital products, and helpful tools for working from home.
Why This Works for Me (And Might for You Too)
What I love most about this setup is that I can pause without quitting. If I need a few days to rest, my blog, affiliate links, and pins still keep working in the background. There are no customers to reply to, no Zoom meetings to show up for, no pressure to perform.
That’s what makes it a soft side hustle — low stakes, gentle structure, and long-term potential.
Final Thoughts:
If you’ve tried everything and feel like nothing has clicked yet — you’re not alone. This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a slow, soft build. But it’s one that fits around your body, your needs, and your life.
And that’s what makes it sustainable.
If you’re ready to start something from bed, in your pyjamas, with a hot cup of tea nearby — this might just be your sign.