Table 3.

Managing activity

Task	Suggested approach and phrases31
Explore the impact of the symptoms	What do these symptoms stop you from doing? What would you like to be able to do more of? Are there things you enjoy that you've had to cut out or avoid?
Decide what to work on	Discuss how increasing enjoyable or valued activities can help. Choose one or two areas to focus on.
Agree on goals to increase enjoyable or valued activities	Make these achievable and specific (what, when, where and with whom). Using a SMART approach can be useful. Start today and review at next appointment (eg 2 weeks in primary care). Let people know symptoms can sometimes get a bit worse before they get better. Consistency is important, whether it is a good or bad day with the individual's symptoms. Little and often is better than all or nothing.
Discussion if they are overdoing things	Do you think it could help to manage your activities in a different way?

SMART = specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.