As the pace of our world seems to get faster and faster, many people find it increasingly difficult to juggle work projects, household chores and family activities. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this challenge may be even greater, especially if you're fighting fatigue, which frequently accompanies RA.

The key is to have a method for balancing the demands of your schedule with the demands of your disease. The following steps may help you take a practical approach to time management:

Step 1: Plan

Make a list of the tasks you want to accomplish in a certain length of time. You might do this at the beginning of the week - or, you might take one day at a time. Remember to include things like "move dinner meat from freezer to fridge for thawing" and "pick up birthday card for Cynthia."

Tip: Be realistic in what you plan to accomplish. Break big projects into smaller chunks. Rather than writing down "clean the house," divide the task into rooms or activities such as vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing the sinks. Each task will seem less daunting, and you'll feel satisfied as you finish each one instead of feeling like you'll never reach the end.

Step 2: Prioritize

Look closely at the list and mark an N next to the items you NEED to accomplish and a W next to the items you WANT to accomplish.

Now review the items with an N next to them. Rank them in order of importance, noting special time constraints or deadlines. Do the same for the items you WANT to accomplish, knowing that these take a back seat to tasks that must get done.

Step 3: Pace Yourself

Now that you have a list of what you must get done - followed by a secondary list of things you'd like to get done - see if you can balance a few of these tasks at once, using alternation. For example, you may need to pay bills and wash the windows in your kitchen (notice we're only washing one room's windows today). Give your body a rest by alternating between washing one window and sitting down to pay a bill.

If your list is overwhelming, see if there are things you can get done more efficiently. You may want to send shirts to the dry cleaner or hire someone to wash your windows. After all, maintaining your health should be the number one priority on your list.

Step 4: Enjoy a Sense of Accomplishment

Be sure to check items off your list as you finish them. By planning, prioritizing and pacing, you can take charge of your tasks rather than letting them take charge of you.