I was never any good at pacing before I had neck pain. I always pushed myself harder or longer to get things done. My early life probably made me that way, so it was difficult to change.
Now I was very dominated by the pain. I had to get back to work and so get fit quickly. So I would do far too much at home or at the gym. When I did get back to work I did loads of overtime to make up the money. So my pain took over again. I would be off work, fed up and stuck at home often in bed or the sofa all day.
Slowly I learnt with practice and trial and error to use pacing. It made a real difference. I found out I was using too much effort for too long. It was difficult at first because just when I felt good doing something, pacing meant I now had to take a break. But over time I learnt to balance my breaks and activity better.
I then learnt to use breathing to slow me down and relax better.
I am much more reliable now, less of a perfectionist – and the family are pleased too!