Pacing during additional projects/responsibilities

When taking on a project alongside living with fatigue, pacing often means saying no to things that you can usually do regularly - and even enjoy. It's not giving up, nor is it 'getting worse' - it's a change in demands on our limited energy.

For example, as my annex build project starts (they'll start digging holes tomorrow!) alongside my 'switch to downloads only' project for my stickman keyring cards project...that's a huge set of extra demands on my time. In the run up to Christmas, no less! Long term, both will be positive changes that improve my quality of life, but right now: ARGH!

And this means saying 'no' a lot.

But for me, it also means saying no in advance - planning 'no' into my default schedule, because if I don't, my brain fogged self will potter along following the routine I know works - and forget that I don't currently have a lifestyle that allows that routine to work!

So I create a temporary 'autopilot routine' - a short term baseline routine that should help keep me ok and balance out the effect of the extra project. When I'm well enough to think clearly, I can add things in - with appropriate pacing strategies. When I'm not well enough to think clearly - I can just follow the plan and stay relatively safe without having to weigh up decisions.

For example, my temporary autopilot routine includes:

• No going to church for the next few weeks (except for 2 events that are really important to me. These 2 events must include blankets in the car so I can nap there if needed, and I can arrive late and leave early. Assume attendance for 1 hour - only extend if genuinely up to it.)

• No non-essential outings

• No visiting friends

• No new work projects, and no product creation.

• Pause volunteering til January. (except completing 1 project that is very nearly complete)

• No online shopping/browsing for non essentials (that uses brain - and I need that brain for shopping for annex-related essentials!)

• It's ok if my room gets messy. I will be able to sort it after the first phases are complete.

• Have one day each week completely off - with nothing on the to do list, and no leaving the house.

• As needed: use hair coverings instead of washing my hair, and use wet wipes for basic hygiene.

If I'm functioning better than expected, I can always add things in. And I almost certainly will - the important thing is that it's a safety net that

it will help keep me healthy while my capacity is taken up with other things.