People are often told pacing requires consistency and rigid structure, as if symptoms respond to spreadsheets, but in years of working with clients, I’ve learned that the best pacing is responsive. Sometimes you can’t avoid doing the thing, but you can lower the cost of doing it. Instead of the all-or-nothing approach (“Don’t overdo it”), try: Do the thing differently Do the thing slower Do a little less of the thing Examples I hear from clients: Cut chores in half. Laundry becomes “just wash, fold later.” Skip the second errand. One stop instead of three. Delay what isn’t urgent. Dishes can wait. Replies can wait. Sit for everything. Food prep, brushing teeth, makeup, folding clothes. Sometimes the most radical act of self-preservation is sitting down. Literally.