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How do you learn to pace yourself?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭

So I am back to work as many of you know. It’s going well. I need ideas or advice from anyone. I have physical therapy twice a week after work. I also like to visit my mom at the nursing home. I hate to say it but I am in denial about pacing and I push myself. Which is just stupid on my part. I am now sitting on my bed past my bedtime typing this. Why can’t I just discipline myself? Thanks for listening

September 21
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around the question of how to pace yourself while managing fibromyalgia, work, physical therapy, and family visits, with many... Read more

Members rallied around the question of how to pace yourself while managing fibromyalgia, work, physical therapy, and family visits, with many sharing that pushing through on adrenaline is a familiar and exhausting cycle. Several members offered practical strategies like using lunch breaks as rest periods, limiting visits to loved ones in care facilities to protect energy, setting timers for rest and activity intervals, and front-loading rest at the start of the day. A recurring theme was self-compassion, with many noting that even long-time fibromyalgia warriors still struggle with pacing, and that putting yourself first is what makes everything else possible.

A MyFibroTeam Member

It truly depends on how laborious the task at hand is but usually I try to rest for 15-30 minutes after every two or three tasks. It doesn't always work and I forget to rest. My sister sets a timer for rest periods and for back to work periods also. I hope you find something that works for you.

September 23 (edited)
MyFibroTeam

First of all — returning to work, keeping up with physical therapy twice a week, AND visiting your mom? That's a lot, and it shows how much heart you have. But you're right that pacing matters enormously with fibromyalgia, and pushing through can set you back further than if you'd rested.

Here's the thing: it's not about Show Full Answer

First of all — returning to work, keeping up with physical therapy twice a week, AND visiting your mom? That's a lot, and it shows how much heart you have. But you're right that pacing matters enormously with fibromyalgia, and pushing through can set you back further than if you'd rested.

Here's the thing: it's not about discipline. It's about learning a whole new way of managing your energy. Many MyFibroTeam members have been exactly where you are. Some practical pacing tips that may help:

- Break tasks into smaller chunks rather than doing everything at once
- Rest before you feel exhausted, not after — don't wait until you're running on empty
- Set a firm "wind down" time each night, even if it means cutting something short
- Prioritize your activities — on PT days, keep everything else lighter
- Be honest with yourself about what's truly essential each day

One MyFibroTeam member put it well: when you feel able to do things, don't do it all at once and put yourself back where you started with no energy and a lot of pain.

Being kind to yourself isn't weakness — it's actually what keeps you going long-term. You're doing more than you realize. 💙

September 21
A MyFibroTeam Member

Being a teacher and having fibromyalgia is alot never mind all the things we need to do in our personal lives and the things we do to manage the fibromyalgia.
I would say make your lunch hour a rest period during the day if you can. Shut off the lights in your classroom and rest. Take a sensory break. Put on soothing music.
I would especially do this on the two days you have physical therapy after work or if you are visiting your Mom after work that day. Explain to coworkers that after work will be busy and you need that break if they start wondering why you are not in the teachers lounge on those days. I was a teacher and I know the tendency is to work or meet over lunch hours.
Also limit visits with your Mom to no more than two times a week. I struggled with this as well as my Mom has Alzheimer's and is in memory care. I know it can sound cruel, but you can only do what you can do. She remembers us and in the moment we can visit, but the next day she wont remember that i've been there.
Wishing you the best.

September 22
A MyFibroTeam Member

I got lots of rest this weekend. Thanks again everyone 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

September 27
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hey Lori 🤗💛 I think this is such a common issue, of course, made harder with FMS.

My experience has been similar to Anne. After pushing through I could barely make myself get back on my feet after getting off of them. 🧟

When I started front-loading rest and wellness it helped extend my capacity. Though it was hard to wrap my head around when I was barely surviving, but I keep it small and add to it when I can.
It’s often just one thing I prioritize a day. The one thing that I think will make the biggest impact on everything else. Putting myself first helps me do more than just survive the day now.

I remember you’ve been having good results with PT. Will you drop down to one day in person, at some point?

Sending love 💛

September 23

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