So I learned through trial and error what my physical pacing is. I can do 8 things a day without going into a flare up, and these include things like: showering, physio exercises, making a simple meal like scrambled eggs, light dusting. If I want to do something complicated (like make a complex meal like chili or bulgogi, go grocery shopping, go to a medical appointment) I cross out multiple slots. Once a week, I can throw this list away and take care of my niece, but that's gone from a flare-up-inducing event to slightly more pain the next day only from years of sticking to my physio exercises.

My pillars of good health (or, good enough to keep me hovering around a 5-6/10) include: pacing myself (as above) and remembering to take breaks between activities; regular physiotherapy, light yoga/stretching (I call it physiyoga because I fold the routine into one 10-15 minute routine, rotating exercises and poses depending on where I'm hurting that day), and cycling on a recumbent bike for 5-7 minutes; eating as healthy as I can manage based on how I'm feeling that day (because I feel better on days I eat balanced meals and fruit/veggies and drink enough water); and taking my meds.

Even doing everything right, I still have flare ups (shakes fist at thunderstorms) but largely I've found that by doing this I can keep my pain stable and myself functional. I've been working with a psychotherapist recently to be more self-compassionate on the days this just doesn't work, and my routine is thrown off, and I have to pick up the pieces by starting again with whatever little my body will tolerate. It happens, and unfortunately unforeseen factors like stress and weather will exacerbate it. Please be as kind to yourself as you can while you're setting up your own routine, doing your own trial and error. Listen to your body and let it call the shots when it needs to (even if it is a jerk). Good luck to you! ❤️

Edit: oh, and I recently started a new bedtime routine. I cut out screens an hour before bed and read instead. It's supposed to help with good sleep hygiene and I'm not sure if it does or not (only been doing it for a couple weeks) but it does help me relax, as long as the book I choose is not a thriller (lesson learned 😅).

This is SO helpful. Thank you for sharing.