One of the best ways to pace ourselves is to break big tasks into small components. It can be hard for a chronically ill individual to do a lot on any given day. This is especially the case if we didn’t sleep well or are experiencing additional inflammation and/or pain. On such days, we really need to pace ourselves and practice self-care.
Here are a few ways to break large tasks into smaller components.
*1. Decide what you absolutely need to get done today. Do the smaller tasks that can be done within a few minutes first, just to get them out of the way. Then you can focus on those more involved tasks.
*2. Decide which large task needs to be done. Then take that task and break it up into small units. For instance, if you have to clean out the garage, perhaps doing the sweeping one day, tidying things up on another day, and then washing and deep cleaning over a few days.
*3. Write down how you intend to divide your large task. Sometimes we may forget how much we planned to do on a particular day. We may overdo it and then be in agony for a few days or a week, putting a damper on how we feel overall and our quality of life. This can also wrack havoc with how we feel and our pain levels.
*4. Accept that you won’t be able to get the large task done in one day. Try not to feel bad that you can’t accomplish this feat but instead accept that you are going to get it done over a few days or even a week. The most important thing is that you are still completing what you need to do. It may not be perfect, but it’s where you are now.
By taking these steps, you will be practicing energy conversation and pacing yourself. In the process, you will be feeling better and more confident that you can keep going and doing things that you need to do.
Try it!
Irene Roth
Living With Chronic Illness 