Many people find that their condition stabilises once they accept their illness, understand how it works, and follow a realistic and achievable approach to getting better. Learning to effectively manage your activity and energy levels is key to managing your illness and is known as pacing. The concept behind pacing is that if you manage your energy wisely it will gradually increase. Pacing can bring structure to the day and give you back a sense of control.
To find out more about pacing and how to put it into practice see our Pacing booklet.
There has been very little research into pacing in people with M.E. A survey of members of Action for M.E. showed that 90% had found pacing helpful.
The effectiveness of pacing is being compared with cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise in a major Medical Research Council trial.
Descriptions and guidance on pacing vary. Please see our pacing policy document for further information on how Action for M.E. defines pacing.
Teleri
'My life changed so much after receiving medical advice on pacing. Working out and then sticking to a daily activity level wasn't easy at first: I did get really bored. You need to be very disciplined and determined, but the rewards are worth it. In planning my day, I worked out a balance of mental and physical activities. As mental activities are less tiring for me, I can allow more time on these. Some cognitive symptoms have all but gone now and I can read books again, which was one of my goals. To combat boredom I try to find enjoyable things to do that don't use much energy.
I'm happier and more comfortable living within my daily activity limits. Before I learnt about pacing, the amount I did each day was very erratic. If I felt ok I had a tendency to overdo things, which would make me feel worse. Working out daily activity levels has brought things under control. By adding extra rest periods, I also occasionally ‘save up’ daily energy rations to use on a larger activity, like a trip out. Thanks to pacing, my physical energy levels are better and the number of good days I'm having is growing steadily.'
