Everyday coping with arthritis and chronic pain:pacing

Rheumatoid arthritis coping ideas

This illness isn’t something I manage easily. There’s no magic pill, no one-size-fits-all cure. But there are ways to live alongside it—and even reclaim some of the joy, energy, and laughter that pain tries to steal. I can’t tell you what will work for you. I can only share what’s helped me. I still have bad days. But now, more often than not, the good days outnumber them.

Over the years, I’ve absorbed advice from books, blogs, doctors, and fellow spoonies. But knowing something and living it are two very different things. The most helpful strategy I’ve learned—besides pain relief—is pacing.

So what is pacing? For me, it means listening to my body and respecting its limits. It’s not about doing nothing. It’s about doing things differently. I try not to push through pain anymore. If I feel a flare coming on or my joints start to ache, I stop. I switch to a gentler task or take a break altogether. That might mean the dishwasher is half-unpacked or the laundry is still in the basket. That’s okay. I’ll get back to it later.

Pacing also means building in rest before I need it. I take short, regular breaks—often lying flat on my back—to reset. It’s not laziness. It’s strategy. It’s how I keep going without crashing.

Pacing Tips for Beginners

Starting to pace can feel strange at first—especially if you're used to pushing through pain or trying to “keep up.” These tips are for anyone just beginning to explore pacing as a way to manage chronic pain or arthritis:

Simple Ways to Start

• Track your energy: Notice when you feel most tired or sore. Use that info to plan breaks.

• Set a timer: Try 15–20 minutes of activity, then rest for 5–10 minutes—even if you feel okay.

• Use a notebook or app: Jot down what you did and how you felt. Patterns will emerge.

• Rest before pain hits: Don’t wait until you’re exhausted. Resting early helps prevent flares.

• Switch it up: Alternate between physical and mental tasks to avoid overloading one system.

• Say “later” without guilt: It’s okay to leave things unfinished. Your health comes first.

Mindset Shifts

• You’re not lazy—you’re strategic.

• Resting is productive.

• Small steps add up.

• Listening to your body is a skill, not a weakness.

And yes, even writing this post is a reminder. My wrists are starting to ache now, so I’ll pause here. Maybe I’ll finish this later… or maybe I’ll just rest and call that enough for today.