If you live with chronic pian or fatigue, you know the importance of pacing. Yet, it’s so hard to bring about in our daily lives. It’s easier to carry on until we’re exhausted because that’s what we’re used to. If we appropriate this kind of mentality, we will be constantly overdoing it. We may feel like we’re stuck in a vortex of our own making, which is making us sicker and feeling less resilient by the day. This cycle can be frustrating and it can also grate on our self-esteem.
Before we go into a tirade of self-criticism, let’s realize that learning how to pace ourselves is a skill that’s hard to learn. It’s a continual work-in-progress. In other words, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t live up to your pre-established pacing strategies once in a while. Just don’t give up. Set small goals and keep on going.
Here are three more ways to pace yourself.
*1. Delegate
If possible, allow others to help you. Let your kids or spouse help out, even if they don’t wash dishes or fold clothes like you do. Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Asking for help can free up your time and conserve energy.
*2. Don’t overdo it
It’s okay if you don’t get everything done every day that you want. This one is difficult for me. Once I start cleaning my home, I want to get everything done on one floor. Then I’m exhausted, sore and stressed out.
We all need to divide up our tasks into a few sessions, with breaks in between. Telling that we have to get everything done in one day frazzles us because we’ll put way too much pressure on ourselves. Maybe we should accept that we won’t get everything done. Remember, you’re not a failure if you don’t get everything done on your to-do list. This is where flexibility comes in. There’s always tomorrow.
*3. Take breaks
Self-care isn’t selfish but vital for our health and well-being. Taking breaks is part of self-care. This can help your physical and mental health.
Part of pacing is building in regular rest breaks, be it ten minutes every few hours or ever hour. It’s completely up to you. Pace yourself according to your needs. Be extra kind to yourself on hard days by taking extra time off.
You can do many different things on your break: crochet, journal, lie down, color, take a nap, cuddle with your pet, and much more. You can choose what puts a smile on your face.
Pacing breaks can give you mental clarity, clam, physical rest, inspiration, or even motivation. They may be relaxing breaks, productive breaks, or enjoyable ones. You get to choose.
By pacing yourself, you can live a much more resilient and confident life because you’ll know that you’re managing your life in a way that won’t make you feel more pain and fatigue.
So, take a break regularly. Breathe, relax, and then carry on. You deserve it.
Living With Chronic Illness 