Pacing Yourself

 

Physical activity is helpful but should be balanced with pacing.

 

Plan your day and schedule tiring activities around periods of rest and recovery. It helps to break down your activities into smaller tasks that are more manageable. For example, you may decide to rake the path, then make yourself a cup of tea and take a break before you pick up the leaves.

 

Slow down, give yourself time to get your breath back before tackling the next thing. Try to space out your activities throughout the week. You may have low energy levels, so use your energy to do the things that are most important to you. 

 

Tips on saving energy in the bathroom

  • Some people choose not to take a shower or bath every day. Some days it may be easier to have a wash sitting down at the bathroom sink.

  • Choose the best time of the day to shower to match your energy levels.

  • A shower chair and handheld shower hose can save a lot of energy.

  • A steamy bathroom can make breathing worse, use the exhaust fan and open a window or door.

  • If you use oxygen, use your portable cylinder for showering. It can sit next to the shower, and you can take your nasal prongs on and off as needed.

  • If there is room in the bathroom, having a chair to sit on when you get out of the shower allows you to rest while drying and dressing.

  • Use a terry-towelling dressing gown instead of actively drying yourself with a towel.

  • Choose clothes and shoes that are easy to slip on. Avoid tight clothes. Some people find sports bras easier and more comfortable than structured ones.

  • If showering is difficult, ask a family member or paid carer for help with washing and dressing. Sometimes just knowing there is someone there can be reassuring.

 

Tips on saving energy in the kitchen

  • Find simple ways to cook and clean. Have a few ready-made frozen meals in the freezer that can be easily heated.

  • Make a thermos of tea or coffee.

  • Sit down to prepare food and do other household tasks.

  • Use tongs or a grabbing aid to pick up light objects from low levels without needing to bend. These should not be used for hot or heavy items.

  • Use a small trolley to move things around the home

  • A four-wheeled walking frame can make it easier for you to get around and sit down to take rests. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can provide advice about walking aids.

 

Tips on saving energy in the bedroom

  • The mornings can be difficult. Have the things you need ready by the bedside, including regular medications, so you don’t need to rush to get up.

  • Have a drink within reach.

  • Men may find having a urine bottle by the bed avoids trips to the toilet through the night. Women may consider a commode chair.

  • Ask for help from your partner or family.

 

Getting extra help

As breathlessness gets worse, some tasks may become too difficult to do yourself. Speak to your GP or another member of your healthcare team to find out if any equipment or services would be helpful for you. These may include meal services, personal care, domestic assistance, an occupational therapy assessment, mobility aids, shower chair, commode, hospital bed, personal alarm and home modifications.