3 Things NOT to Do During CFS Recovery
Introduction
When you’re dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or long COVID, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels—trying everything you can think of, but not seeing the results you desperately want. While there’s a lot of advice out there about what to do, it’s equally important to know what not to do.
In this blog post, I’ll break down three things you should avoid if you’re trying to recover from CFS. These are mistakes I personally made during my four-and-a-half-year journey with CFS, and I hope sharing this can save you months (or even years) of wasted time and energy.
1. Stop Searching for Fixes
When you first get sick, it’s natural to go into “problem-solving mode.” You visit doctors, try different treatments, search online for miracle cures, and experiment with supplements, medications, and alternative therapies. It’s a frantic race to find that one “fix” that will make you better.
The problem? CFS isn’t something that can be “fixed” overnight.
- Why It’s a Trap: CFS is a nervous system issue, not a simple injury or infection that heals with time or a pill. When you’re constantly searching for new treatments or quick fixes, you waste energy and often end up more confused or frustrated because nothing works.
- What to Do Instead: Instead of looking for external solutions, focus on proven recovery principles. Follow the path of people who have recovered from CFS, and stick to one or two reliable sources of information to avoid conflicting advice.
My Experience:
I spent years running from doctor to doctor, trying naturopathic remedies, wearing heart monitors, and getting X-rays, MRIs, and nerve conduction tests. None of it worked. I only started making progress when I stopped looking outward for solutions and started addressing the root issue—my hypersensitive nervous system.
2. Don’t Wait for Time to Heal You
For most health problems, rest and time are the key to recovery. Got a broken bone? Rest it. Caught the flu? Sleep it off. But with CFS, time alone doesn’t solve anything.
- Why It’s a Trap: When you have CFS, your nervous system is stuck in a state of overactivation. Without actively addressing this, your body will remain in a state of dysfunction—even if you rest for years. In fact, complete inactivity can make things worse because it reinforces your body’s hypersensitivity.
- What to Do Instead: Recovery from CFS requires active engagement in neuroplasticity techniques, mindset shifts, and nervous system regulation. You can’t just sit back and wait for things to improve on their own.
My Experience:
At my worst, I was bedridden and moved in with my grandparents. My plan was simple: stay in bed, do nothing, and let time heal me. But instead of getting better, I got worse. I learned the hard way that CFS doesn’t fix itself. It requires consistent, intentional effort to rewire your nervous system and shift out of the downward spiral.
3. Don’t Be Passive in Your Recovery
This is the most important one: you can’t take a passive approach to recovering from CFS. While it’s tempting to wait for doctors, supplements, or external treatments to “fix” you, the truth is that recovery starts with you.
- Why It’s a Trap: Relying on external solutions can lead to frustration and stagnation because CFS recovery isn’t about what others can do for you—it’s about what you do for yourself.
- What to Do Instead: Take an active role in your recovery. Learn about neuroplasticity and how to retrain your brain. Focus on responding to your symptoms in a calm, neutral way. Be intentional about creating an environment where your nervous system feels safe and can begin to heal.
My Experience:
I wasted so much time being passive—waiting for doctors, medications, or treatments to fix me. But nothing worked until I took control of my recovery. I started working on my mindset, challenging my fears, and practicing techniques to calm my nervous system. That’s when I started to see real progress.
Why These Mistakes Happen
It’s important to acknowledge that these mistakes—searching for fixes, waiting for time to heal you, and being passive—happen because of how overwhelming and confusing CFS can be. When you’re dealing with constant symptoms, anxiety, and uncertainty, it’s easy to fall into these traps.
The good news? You can start changing your approach today.
How to Turn Things Around
If you’ve been making any of these mistakes, don’t worry—it’s never too late to shift gears. Here are some steps you can take to get back on track:
- Simplify Your Approach: Stop chasing every new treatment or idea. Pick one recovery method or framework and stick with it for at least a few months.
- Get Educated: Learn about neuroplasticity, the science of recovery, and how your nervous system works. When you understand what’s happening in your body, you’ll feel less lost.
- Take an Active Role: Commit to practicing recovery techniques daily. Whether it’s brain retraining, calming your response to symptoms, or gently expanding your activity, consistency is key.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Recovery isn’t linear. You’ll have ups and downs, but what matters is the overall trend. Celebrate small wins and keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from CFS isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. By avoiding these three mistakes—searching for fixes, waiting for time to heal you, and being passive—you can save yourself months (or even years) of frustration and start focusing on what really works.
Remember, recovery is a process. It takes time, consistency, and intentional effort. But every step you take brings you closer to thriving health.