“Pacing”
The term “pacing” (while often associated with the action of quickly walking back and forth) is used to describe how people with chronic pain go about their activities without causing additional fatigue or pain. I also use it in regard to my mental health “bandwidth” because that is another area that if I overexert myself it can lead to an increase in my symptoms.
The last few weeks have been difficult due to some negative interactions between my medications that have left me feeling pretty sick at times. I went from feeling so much better in terms of my migraines (only 1-2 over the course of a month) to still no migraines, but a slew of other side effects from the medication that was helping with them. I went from thinking I could go back to volunteering and continuing to branch out more by doing activities outside the house to feeling stuck again.
While my doctors are addressing my medication issues and I’m slowly getting all of that worked out, I’ve realized I really have to pace myself and give myself a break from my expectations for myself. For me that’s looked like:
Taking naps (something I rarely do)
Not getting chores done immediately or in the time frame I want them done
Breaking tasks into small, manageable chunks
Shortening my walks temporarily
Still challenging myself to go out to do activities I enjoy, but taking breaks during them or maybe shortening how long I am out for
Personally, I’m realizing that pacing without self-care may not be as successful. And when I say “self-care” I mean things like:
Drinking enough water
Eating small, regular meals
Getting enough sleep and using sleep hygiene
Taking my medications as prescribed and staying on track
Avoiding substances that affect my mind and body
Gentle exercise and movement
Self-compassion and kindness (this is probably the hardest one for me)
Connection with others in your support circle and avoiding isolation
I often feel like I need to be productive or doing something that is “constructive,” forgetting that sometimes taking care of yourself is also those things…and if you don’t take care of yourself, it could be harder to be productive in other areas of life. Ironically, I was trying to get this blog up and running when the need for pacing and self-care in my life increased again. I’m having to practice what I’m preaching and not force myself to try to post or write if I don’t have the bandwidth. Today I had a little extra bandwidth so I wanted to take some time to share about this experience.
Also…you don’t have to be at the verge of collapse or breakdown to use pacing and/or self-care!
Use it even before you need to.
Use it to keep you grounded.
Use it because you deserve to take care of yourself and prioritize your health ♡
