Three Things NOT to Do When Recovering from CFS
Hey guys, how’s it going? Miguel here with CFS Recovery. Today, I’m going to talk about three things not to do if you’re trying to recover from CFS. On my channel, I usually share tips and advice on what to do for recovery, but today, I want to flip the script and focus on what you should avoid. When I was sick for about four and a half years, I tried everything under the sun. If I had known these three things, it would have saved me a lot of time and energy. Hopefully, this video will help you cut through the noise and get to the point more quickly.
Number Three: Stop Looking for Fixes
When you first get CFS, it’s natural to search for fixes. In the beginning, you don’t know what’s happening, so you see doctors, try different medications, and look for alternative treatments. I went through the same thing—family doctors, emergency visits, endocrinologists, naturopaths, neurologists, cardiologists, wearing Holter monitors, getting X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, nerve conduction tests, and trying various medications. But nothing worked.
What I wish I had done was find reputable sources—people who have recovered from CFS—and followed their path. Back then, there wasn’t much information available, but today, it’s important to focus on one or two main things and avoid getting overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Imagine running back and forth, looking for solutions but ending up back at square one. You waste time and energy. Initially, getting tests to rule out other conditions is essential, but once it’s clear that you have a nervous system issue, stop looking for external fixes.
Number Two: Waiting to Get Better
For a normal person, rest heals tiredness or injuries. But with CFS, rest alone doesn’t work. I learned this the hard way. At my worst, I had to live with my grandparents. I couldn’t feed myself, use the bathroom, or even lift a spoon to my mouth. I thought if I rested enough, my body would heal. But time doesn’t solve CFS.
CFS involves a downward spiral—a positive feedback loop where symptoms cause anxiety and fear, which in turn increases sensitivity and worsens symptoms. Waiting and resting doesn’t break this cycle. In fact, I was getting worse despite doing nothing but resting. The key is to actively engage in neuroplasticity work and rewire your nervous system.
Number One: Being Passive in Your Recovery
You cannot be passive in your recovery. Often, we rely on doctors, medications, or supplements to heal us. While seeking help is important, the real work is up here—in your mind. Recovery requires an active effort to rewire your brain.
I wasn’t just passive in waiting for time to heal me; I also relied on external solutions. But true recovery comes from within. It requires consistent mental shifts and active engagement in neuroplasticity exercises. One book that helped me understand this concept is “The Upward Spiral” by Alex Korb. Although it focuses on depression, the principles apply to CFS as well. It’s about shifting from a downward spiral to an upward spiral through positive changes in your nervous system.
Conclusion
To summarize, here are the three things you should avoid in your CFS recovery journey:
- Stop looking for fixes. Once you’ve ruled out other conditions, focus on one or two trusted sources and stick to their advice.
- Don’t wait to get better. Time alone doesn’t heal CFS. You need to actively engage in neuroplasticity work.
- Don’t be passive in your recovery. Take control and rewire your nervous system through consistent mental shifts and exercises.
Remember, it’s okay if you’ve made these mistakes in the past. What matters is what you do moving forward. Reverse these habits and focus on positive, proactive steps towards recovery.