Disability Support Community

...See more This post will open our new series on ⚡P A I N !💥 All About. . . Boom!⬆️ Bust 🔽 and Pacing 🟰 The concept of "boom-bust" and “pacing” particularly in the context of disabilities, refers to a pattern of energy expenditure characterized by alternating periods of high activity or productivity ("boom") and subsequent periods of low energy, exhaustion, or rest ("bust"). This approach is often employed by individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or conditions that cause fluctuations in energy levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or certain types of disabilities affecting energy levels. How often have you started out at the beginning of an activity or project full of energy (Boom) racing along only to begin feeling tired, but still you carry on because you don’t want to stop, or you just want to finish what you are doing, and then the next day you are so very tired and in pain or exhausted and cannot do anything (Busted) and the recovery takes a few days or even longer? Here's a breakdown of the “boom-bust” and “pacing” approach and its implications for individuals with disabilities: Understanding Energy Levels: Boom-bust pacing recognizes that individuals with disabilities often have limited energy reserves, which can fluctuate from day to day or even within the same day. It emphasizes the importance of being attuned to one's own energy levels and learning to manage them effectively. Managing Activities: Rather than trying to maintain a constant level of activity throughout the day, boom-bust pacing involves identifying periods of higher energy (boom) and using them for more demanding tasks or activities, while conserving energy during periods of lower energy (bust) through rest or less demanding activities. Prioritizing Tasks: Individuals practicing boom-bust pacing often prioritize tasks based on their energy levels. Important or demanding tasks are tackled during periods of higher energy, while less critical tasks may be deferred to periods of lower energy. Ask yourself these questions and think about your answers, then jot them down so that you have a list of your priorities, you can add them in your reply to this post. * What is important? - read all the points below before deciding! * What MUST I do? * What do I want to do? * What do others want me to do? * What am I expected to do? (may include deadlines) * What can I do? Avoiding Overexertion: By pacing activities and balancing periods of activity with rest, individuals can reduce the risk of overexertion, which can exacerbate symptoms or lead to "crashes" where energy levels plummet (bust), sometimes for an extended period as the recovery needed after a “boom” can be extensive and disproportionate to the gain. Examples: You may want to finish weeding a flower border and do it all in one afternoon, the flower border looks great but you end up exhausted in bed for 3 days. If you had spread it over 2 afternoons then you would not end up exhausted. You have an important exam next week, so you stay up all night studying. The next day you cannot get out of bed because of the body aches and exhaustion. If you had split the studying into short periods then you would not have crashed so badly and could have revised for a few hours every day. Remember to STOP BEFORE the pain is too bad or STOP BEFORE you feel exhausted, that way the rebound to recovery is faster, and smoother, and repeatable. Take a look at https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/ [https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/] splitting studying or any task into shorter periods. The original technique has six steps: * Decide on the task to be done. * Set the Pomodoro timer (typically for 25 minutes). * Work on the task. * End work when the timer rings and take a short break (typically 5–10 minutes). * Go back to Step 2 and repeat until you complete four pomodoros. * After four pomodoros are done, take a long break (typically 20 to 30 minutes) instead of a short break. Once the long break is finished, return to step 2. ( a pomodoro is an interval of work time). Also the Spoon Theory [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/SpooniesandDropitlikeitsPOTSshirts_20186/] 🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄 and Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/BoomorBustAllaboutpacing_327034/] Flexibility and Adaptability: Boom-bust pacing requires flexibility and adaptability, as energy levels can vary unpredictably. It's important for individuals to listen to their bodies, adjust their plans as needed, and never feel guilty for needing to rest or modify their activities. Communication and Advocacy: In work or social settings, it's essential for individuals practicing boom-bust pacing to communicate their needs effectively and advocate for accommodations or adjustments when necessary. This might involve explaining their pacing approach to employers, colleagues, or friends and asking for understanding and support. Self-Care and Wellness: Boom-bust pacing is ultimately about self-care and managing one's health effectively. It involves not only managing physical energy but also attending to emotional and mental well-being, recognizing the importance of rest, relaxation, and activities that bring satisfaction, happiness, and joy. Overall, boom-bust pacing can be a valuable strategy for anyone, but more so for individuals with disabilities to manage their energy levels and navigate daily life more effectively. By learning to listen to their bodies, prioritize tasks, balance activity with rest ie: pacing themselves, individuals can optimize their functioning and improve their quality of life despite the challenges posed by their disabilities. Chronic Pain Resources Here Living with Chronic pain Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AFewTipsonHowToLearnToLiveWithPainbyDrCherylAMacDonald_23694/] More on Pacing Here [https://www.cfsselfhelp.org/library/pacing-numbers-using-your-heart-rate-to-stay-inside-energy-envelope] Q [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AFewTipsonHowToLearnToLiveWithPainbyDrCherylAMacDonald_23694/]uestions to ask yourself, please reply below! * Do you recognize yourself as a ‘boom-bust’ or ‘pacing’ individual? * Have you ever used this method? If you haven’t will you try it in the future? If not why not? If you do does it help? * Can you remember one time when you carried on when you should have stopped and rested? What happened? * Do you have tips to share with us, please do! Consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/JoinTheDisabilitySupportCommunityTeam_325009/] Tag list @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @CaringBrit @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @NevaehRose @NotKhan2 @NovaIsNB @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @wishfulWillow6962 @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @Xisle @Zed786 Add or Remove yourself in this thread HERE [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/WeeklyCheckin_1053/2024TaglistDisabilitySupport_202464/]

Welcome to the Disability Support Community!

This is an inclusive community where people can seek and provide support and post about topics related to learning disabilities, chronic pain, chronic illnesses and conditions, physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. You are welcome to join in even if you don't used disabled as a label for yourself.

There are a number of ways to get involved and be supported. We have a pop up teen chatroom and a 24/7 adult chatroom.

There are guides for Chronic Pain and T2 Diabetes
There are Q&A sections for Disabilities and Chronic Pain

Members may connect with a listener who has disabilities, chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, adhd or autism listed as a topic and there are listeners with disabilities supporting people with disabilities.

We encourage people to post new threads and respond to others in the forums! Some good ways to get started are to introduce yourself and to join our tag list to be notified of weekly check ins and events. We also have an Interview Series: if you would be open to sharing more about yourself and want to be interviewed.

Looking to be even more activity in the Disability Community? Join as a leader!

*Note we are inclusive of all disabilities but ADHD and Autism each of their own communities which may be of interest to some of you.

Community Guidelines

🌟 Please be respectful of everybody's thoughts and opinions.

🌟 Don't think you are alone, so please share

🌟 Please be patient if you feel like your concern hasn't been addressed yet; we are working hard to add more leaders and supporters.

🌟 If you have any concerns, reach out to a leader or make a post.

🌟 For Listeners only - please remember that you are here to give support, if you are seeking support then please switch to your Member account.

🌟 Most of all - don't forget to be awesome! You are loved and accepted here, no matter what!

Guidelines For Using AI

We all want the Disability Support Community to be a safe place where people are able to be their authentic selves and receive support. We understand that AI tools can be helpful in reducing barriers, allowing people to better express themselves, and allowing those with some disabilities to be able to read, write, and post, but excessive, or complete use of AI can feel robotic and reduce supportive person-to-person interactions. It can also lead to false impressions of the poster. We want to try and avoid this and help our Community to be as inclusive and as welcoming as possible to all users.

What is AI?

AI is short for ‘artificial intelligence’ which is software, a program or algorithm that works to sort, order, and combine data to give a response or answer to a question or input. Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer, software, or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason. As yet no AI’s match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks.

Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include:

ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments posed to it.

Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another.

Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users based on their previous viewing history.

Tesla: Uses computer vision to power self-driving features on their cars.

If using AI tools please adhere to the following:

Include some of your own personal expression. This could come from a detailed, personal prompt to the AI tool or include some of your own words with a post.
Cite which AI tool(s) you used, which applies both to AI-generated and AI-edited text as well as images too. For instance, if you use Dragon to voice type then say so and if the text is AI-edited include that fact too.
Avoid posting misinformation. AI sometimes creates personalized anecdotes, facts, or references. If you are sharing an experience, don’t post an AI-fabricated one. If posting information check that it is correct and aligns with trustworthy sources.
Cite the source of your information. It can be important to know and understand the source of information posted, AI-generated content may draw information from their database so try and use factual sites that can be checked and that aren’t misleading.
Don’t make threads in excess. AI can make it fairly quick to create a lot of content. We want to give everyone’s posts a chance to be seen. Please don’t post a large amount of threads in a short period of time, this is called ‘flooding’ and can prevent other posts from being seen.
If you do feel like there’s a lot you want to state on one topic, consider making multiple posts within the same single thread. Or create your own ‘Disability Diary’ thread and post there, this will increase your visibility, and those who reply will be notified when you add another post.
Follow the guidelines. You are responsible for what is posted from your account, even if AI was used in the creation of the post, so please double-check what you write and post!

For more information please read this post by @Heather225 - 7 Cups Community Director.

Do’s ✅ and ❌ Don’t List:

✅ Do - Humanize your post with your own expression and words

✅ Do - Cite the AI tool(s) you use

✅ Do - Make ONE thread and post to it if there are several posts you want to make

✅ Do- Read things over and ensure the guidelines are being followed

❌ Don’t post something that is entirely AI-generated with little input from yourself

❌ Don’t post misinformation

❌ Don’t flood the forums with AI threads, or multiple threads

If in doubt please ask @MistyMagic (Adults and Teens) or @AffyAvo (Adults) or consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here

Read the 7 Cups Guidelines

Community Leaders

Community /