Pacing to manage limited energy involves switching between activities that are challenging and ones which allow us to recharge from that activity, and adapting how we do things so they better suit our abilities. (Check out the pacing category for more information on pacing)
We created the Pacing Fridge Magnets set
It helps us to achieve this balance between looking after our body and mind while still getting things done.
1 - Gently separate the individual small rectangular magnets from the combined sheet they arrive in.
2 - Place them on a suitable metal surface - such as a fridge door or a magnetic whiteboard.
3 - Spread out the 'Time' magnets in the right order to give a timeline for your schedule.
4 - Write the tasks you want to complete during the day on the relevant 'Task' magnets.
Red for 'challenging stuff' - this can be either physically challenging or mentally challenging. Both can be very draining and therefore recovery time will be needed.
Orange for 'OK stuff' - Not as hard as the red, but still uses up energy, so needs to be treated with respect.
Green for 'Easy stuff' - which can help recharge. Recharging activities can be aimed at regaining physical or mental energy. They can be active - like going for a walk, or resting - like listening to music, or even just something very different from what you've just been doing and which has used up lots of a specific type of energy. Whatever helps you recharge in that context. (It can help to complete the green squares last - when you have scheduled the rest of your day, then tailor the 'Easy stuff' to balance out the red and orange tasks you have.)
Purple for meals and snacks (don't forget to factor in food prep - especially if that's a challenging activity for you - in which case it may need a red square all to itself!)
and Blue for stretching, exercise and relaxation - all of which are essential parts to being as healthy as possible. Remember, exercise can mean anything from sitting up using core muscles for a few seconds to running marathons! What you put on the squares should reflect your reality and needs.
When writing the tasks, also think about how you do things. Can you do a challenging thing in an easier way so it becomes less challenging? - like sitting down to empty the washing machine.
(see also our pacing 'handy hints' poster and ‘Pocket book of Pacing’ for more tips on pacing well.)
5 - Once you've written your tasks, put the magnets into order to create your schedule.
6 - See if you honestly think it's a sensible plan.
It should contain a good mix of all the colours. If, having seen the schedule, you think it needs changing, simply move things around until it works for you. Having a 'for tomorrow' section of the board is a good idea - so if a task doesn't fit in today's pacing schedule, you aren't deleting it, just moving it aside for now.
7 - Follow your plan!
Using a timer or alarm to remind you when to change activities can really help, so you don't accidentally get too involved to notice how long you've been doing something, and not notice until symptoms get so bad they stop you in your tracks.
8 - Move magnets and tasks round if things change
For example, if unplanned things happen, or your symptoms are better or worse than you expected.
General care instructions for magnets
Whenever you need to change the task on a magnet, simply wipe it off with the eraser supplied, or a soft tissue. If this doesn't work, write over the remaining marks with the drywipe pen provided, and then rub them out again - the new pen will soften the old pen marks and remove it easily.
Only use drywipe pens on the magnets.
Do not get the magnets wet.
Comments