Quotes &tips to support recovery from chronic illnesses

SJ Porter Coaching - mecfsrecoverycoaching.com

Weekly, inspirational quotes & tips to support recovery from ME/CFS, Long Covid, Fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Week 1 - 15/5/2025 (Post 2)

"Consistency always trumps intensity"

You will regularly hear a common phrase in the chronic illness world. "I pushed and then I crashed". Particularly with those suffering from ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid. This refers to a rise in symptoms as a result of increased exertion, intensity, stress, trauma etc. The symptoms can come on immediately, or there could be a delay of a few days. The increase in symptoms can be scary. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable rise in fatigue levels, pain, dizziness, brain fog, or sensory issues. This can be so severe that it leaves the person bedbound for days, weeks, or even months.

There is no doubt that an increase in emotional, mental, or physical intensity/pressure can bring about these symptoms, so what is actually happening and why?

The nervous system is in hypersensitive mode and the brain is on high alert. The brain is perceiving danger that might not even be there. It is working off false information, but it is doing what it was designed to do. Protect you, above all else. A holistic strategy is the way forward with these illnesses, but an excellent starting place is to build a consistent approach and avoid significant stressors e.g. walking too far, overthinking, too much medication, stressful conversations, reading for too long, unexpected events, negative thinking etc. We have to avoid the peaks and troughs, We are looking for a steady, gradual level of progress and a lessening of symptoms over time. A consistent baseline will be the foundations for this. I will post more about this over the next few months.