The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide, leaving many with long-term symptoms that continue to linger even after they have recovered from the virus. One of the most common symptoms experienced by long COVID sufferers is fatigue, which can be debilitating and impact their ability to perform everyday tasks.

To manage this fatigue, some long COVID sufferers have turned to a strategy called “pacing.” Pacing involves breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, and taking regular breaks to conserve energy. While this strategy can be helpful in managing fatigue, it comes at a cost.

According to Dr. Rebecca Burch, a neurologist at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, pacing can lead to a decrease in physical activity, which can have negative consequences on overall health. “It’s really hard to find that balance between conserving energy and keeping up physical activity,” says Dr. Burch.

Moreover, pacing can also impact a long COVID sufferer’s ability to work and perform daily activities. “It can be hard to keep up with the demands of a job or family when you have to constantly pace yourself,” explains Dr. Burch.

Despite these challenges, pacing remains a popular strategy among long COVID sufferers. To help manage the costs associated with pacing, Dr. Burch recommends working with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized pacing plan that takes into account a patient’s unique needs and limitations.

In addition to pacing, there are other strategies that can help manage fatigue associated with long COVID, such as regular exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication. Ultimately, the key to managing long COVID fatigue is finding the right balance between conserving energy and maintaining physical activity, all while working with a healthcare provider to ensure that a patient’s overall health is not compromised.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect millions of people worldwide, it’s important that we continue to explore and develop effective strategies for managing long COVID symptoms, including fatigue. While pacing may be a helpful tool for some long COVID sufferers, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before incorporating it into a management plan.