Pace Yourself
Most people with COPD must learn to pace themselves to avoid getting worn out throughout the day. People can conserve energy with some of these tips and will get more accomplished without getting short of breath:
- Plan your day. Do the most important activities while you have the most energy.
- Plan rest periods of about 5 to 15 minutes between activities.
- Move slowly to conserve energy and avoid breathlessness.
- Use a cart with wheels to move dishes, tidy up, work in the garage, put away clean laundry, and so on. This will reduce trips back and forth and save you the burden and trouble of carrying things.
- Sit to dress, undress, shave, put on makeup, and cook. Sit for as many tasks as possible.
