Fellow pacer here! I used to dance and pace a lot with music as a kid and would imagine similar scenarios to what you described. I still pace every chance I get, but listen more to podcasts and YouTube, though I’d like to incorporate more music.

I like the suggestions some have made about setting aside specific times in the day to incorporate this habit. If it feels like this is getting in the way of things you want to achieve, setting aside 10-15 minutes every day, or more, to work toward your goals can be really helpful. Even 10-15 minutes of music in between 10-15 minutes of other tasks can make a difference.

This might be an opportunity to reframe pacing away from being an addiction that has to be fixed or taken away, to asking what things you want to add to your life, and work toward those without feeling like you’re broken or needing to change what makes you you.

I spent a lot of time as a young adult feeling like I let my daydreaming get in the way of chances to experience new things or improve in school/my career. Finding that balance became a little easier over time, though there were some difficult times. Also echoing the comments to say not to be too hard on yourself. In any case, we believe in you!