How I Finally Made Pacing With Chronic Illness Simple


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Hi Reader,

I used to think pacing was about discipline—saying no more often, scheduling rest, or sticking to a perfectly balanced routine. But even when I tried to “do everything right,” burnout still crept in.

That’s when I realized pacing with chronic illness isn’t really about plans at all. It’s about awareness.

So I started doing something small every Sunday afternoon: a 10-minute self-check-in with my coffee and planner open beside me. Instead of jumping straight into what I wanted to do that week, I asked myself one simple question:

“How am I actually doing?”

That question changed everything.

I began to notice the patterns behind my flare-ups and fatigue—the things that quietly drained me and the small habits that actually helped me recover. Now, instead of reacting once I’m already exhausted, I adjust before burnout hits.

In this week’s blog post, I’m sharing exactly how I do it and how you can start your own version of this routine. It’s short, flexible, and surprisingly grounding.

➡️ Read the full post: How to Catch Yourself Before You Burn Out: Pacing With Chronic Illness Made Simple​

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If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly playing catch-up with your energy, this might be the missing piece. Pacing doesn’t have to feel like another job. It can be a quiet act of awareness that helps you protect your energy and build more predictable days.

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With care,

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April Smith | Chronic Illness Adaptability Guide
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Owner & Founder of The Thriving Spoonie​
​Email | Bluesky | Pinterest​

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Take control of your energy and routine—grab The Complete Guide to Daily Chronic Illness Management and start thriving today.

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April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie

đź’ŞI create resources to help people adapt to living with chronic illness so they can thrive.

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