Do everything very slowly.
Be prepared to forget how fit you used to be and come to terms with having to take life at a much slower pace.
COPD sure can force you to slow down,
. Are you still able to exercise on some level? Have you come up with any accomodations that help you continue to do some of the things you love most? Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) 
Hi. Thanks for posting. It's hard to look back at where we used to be, physically or mentally, sometimes. You're wise to go at a slower pace, though. Rushing around usually doesn't help one breathe better, or do a good job with whatever the task is. I do want to encourage you not to give up. While you may be less fit and move slower than you once did, exercise and activity is so important to maximizing your potential with COPD. Even if you're walking inside your house or doing chair exercises, the value of that can't be minimized. A lot of our members still enjoy hobbies and stay active in ways that work with their current capabilities.
Have you ever tried pulmonary rehab? It's an opportunity to work on increasing your fitness level while learning how to breathe more effectively and take good care of yourself. Perhaps the staff there, or even your regular care team, can make some suggestions of things you can do to stay active.
We are all here to support you -- mindset is so important. Try to take things one day at a time, focusing on what you can do today. Thinking of you! -Melissa, copd team
I am with you there. 🙄.... Drives me crazy too. Especially shoveling snow, I used to be able to do it, even with breathing issues for hours. Now I am out there 30 minutes and short of breath the entire time... Then I need to rest. Although I do think the strenuous exercise is a good thing, it's not easy leaning on the shovel to catch your breath.
Age, respiratory disease, altitude, wind, cold winter air... All add to the difficulties.
What can you do, the snow must be shoveled... It takes longer,just like everything else 😉
Hi Leon 😊....
Good to hear from you.
Congratulations on retirement, lots of snow everywhere this year.
I am hanging in there still...
Glad to hear it, Tim - keep at it! We've got chores and we will get them done! As said, I always feel better when I see you posting here within the community. We all value your updates!!
Warmly,
Leon L (author/moderator)
It's hard for me to accept slowing down. I do everything fast-eat, read, talk, walk , breathe. Not easy retraining my self, definitely a work in progress, lol. One day at a time
Hi Gemini lady, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. It's understandable that slowing down can be somewhat of a challenge. This is especially so if (like you), the regular pace is a quick one throughout the day. I get it and understand it too!
I thought this article might provide you with some additional insight for this type of pace with COPD: https://copd.net/living/pacing-breathlessness.
I do hope you find the information is helpful in a practical way.
All the best,
Leon L (author/moderator)
