The Problem with Overdoing It

Overdoing it in recovery is a common issue. The mindset often is: “I have some energy now, so I need to take advantage of it.” You think, “It’s been so long since I felt normal, I want to do everything I missed out on.” You ride this wave of excitement and hope, but inevitably, you crash back to zero or close to it.

Here’s a more sustainable approach: think of recovery as gradual progress with controlled adjustments. Instead of going all-in every time you feel a bit better, think about increasing your activity level incrementally.

Sustainable Recovery Approach

Recovery should look more like this: you make some progress, then hit an adjustment period. You increase activity a little, then rest. Increase a bit more, then rest again. It’s a cycle of gradual improvement, avoiding extreme highs and lows. Not only does this prevent physical crashes, but it also helps maintain mental stability.

Recognize the Cycle

You need to recognize whether you’re acting like a gambler, throwing everything into each hand, hoping for a big win, or if you’re being more strategic and sustainable in your approach. The latter is crucial for long-term recovery.

Feeling symptoms or fatigue isn’t inherently bad—adjustment periods are part of the recovery path. However, avoiding extreme highs and lows is essential. These drastic changes can mess with your mental state, making recovery even more challenging.

Conclusion

So, if you find yourself in this gambling mindset—always going all-in when you feel a bit better—consider shifting your approach. Recovery from CFS isn’t about pushing through and hoping for the best. It’s about careful, measured progress. Recognize where you are, increase activity gradually, and avoid the temptation to overdo it. This way, you can avoid the cycle of extreme highs and lows and make steady, sustainable progress.