Pacing Strategies for Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Pacing: strategizing time and energy to avoid overexertion. Tips for doing this:

• Decrease level of activity before tiring events
• Stick to a daily and weekly routine
• Plan challenging tasks for the time of day when your energy is highest
• Do as many tasks as possible from a seated or reclining position
• Alternate low- and high-impact activities
• Schedule break times for rest​

Adapted from a 2010 worksheet by Bruce Campbell and Charles Lapp

---

Darla Nagel is an editor and writing tutor who has an invisible chronic illness. She wants to help other patients and enlighten health care professionals about our experiences. If you’d like to receive quarterly updates from her, sign up by emailing [email protected].