Ignoring what your body is telling you. Getting caught by old habits and routines. Not saying “No”, or negotiating with others what is right for you. Being fearful of symptoms. This can then lead to avoidance behaviours. Disrupt daily activities and plans. Then there is the risk of getting stuck in peak / trough, and […]
Plan your day; use diaries / timetables to balance activities with quieter times / rest to manage your symptoms. Listen to your body – watch out for, and use, warning signs to set limits. Don’t keep going with something “just to get it finished” if your body is telling you to stop. Remember symptoms can […]
Pacing should avoid the high peaks and low troughs and even out your energy level for the day. Notice how you can complete more tasks than before over a longer time. You should still be able to gradually build up exercise and activity in to your day using pacing. Use of pacing helps you manage […]
You can see that sometimes you are feeling well and can do a lot of tasks. Represented by the upward lines to each peak = over activity. If you have done too much too soon you can run out of energy and the effort makes you tired and fatigued. This is represented by the downward […]
Words you might use: Words healthcare professionals use: I am exhausted. Get really breathless. Not worth anything later in the day. I panic… Get worried about how breathless I am. Fed up and frustrated. Irritable. I stay away from / stop trying to do the thing that makes me breathless. Fatigue. Increased breathlessness. Fatigue. Anxiety […]
Q. Which of the following statements apply to you? Select yes or no for each one. 1. I rush to get things done quickly YesNo 2. I push and push myself until I am forced to stop YesNo 3. I do things to please other people YesNo 4. I do certain things in a […]
Pacing is all about using the energy you have wisely so you may achieve all you want to do at a speed and time within your capabilities. Pacing is important when you are living with asthma. You may find you have days when you are more troubled by symptoms. (good and bad days?). Pacing strategies […]
A good place to start is to check with your GP and make sure you fully understand your COPD, your medications and how to stay as well as you can. This includes getting your flu vaccination, attending follow up appointments and so on. Discuss your work with your GP. How much physical effort you need, […]
