Pacing and energy management

The information set out on this page about pacing is not necessarily a recommendation. Instead, we aim to support you to make an informed decision about which symptom management approach you may or may not want to consider trying.

What is pacing?

Pacing is a self-management technique that aims to balance energy and rest. It focuses on keeping activity levels within you "energy envelope" to help avoid aggravating symptoms and triggering post-exertional malaise (PEM).

This can be done by breaking down activities (mental or physical) into small, manageable chunks, and planning in periods of rest in between. Understanding and accepting what your current abilities are helps you to plan ahead with more confidence

Pacing should not be seen as a treatment, but more as a way of coping with the impact of ME.

What is self-management?

Self-management is a broad description of a combination of knowledge, skills and strategies which people can use to reduce the impact of a health problem on their quality of life.

What does the NICE guideline say about pacing?

The 2021 NICE guideline for ME/CFS refers to pacing as “energy management” and offers detailed guidance for health professionals.

It advises health professionals to:

"Discuss with people with ME/CFS the principles of energy management, the potential benefits and risks and what they should expect." (section 1.11.2)

Should I try pacing?

Our 2019 Big Survey of more than 4,000 people with ME asked them questions about a number of symptom management approaches, including pacing.

It found that:

• most respondents (88%) had tried pacing in the past five years
• of these, 70% said they use pacing to do what they feel able to within their manageable limit.

You can hear from people with ME and healthcare professionals talk about pacing in the Dialogues for ME/CFS film about pacing.

We also have resources below to support you to understand pacing and how it might help you manage your symptoms.

Additional links

As well as the Action for ME resources below, you may find the following links (to external sites) helpful:

• 2021 NICE guideline to diagnosing and managing ME/CFS
• Pacing guide by Emerge, an Australian charity we work with as part of the World ME Alliance
• Pacing and management guide for ME/CFS by global patient charity #MEAction
• Bateman Horne Center's ME/CFS Crash Survival Guide
• Activity and Energy Management – Pacing (16 mins), part of the Dialogues for a neglected illness film project