When Your Nervous System Tests You: Understanding Big Adjustment Periods in CFS Recovery
As you progress through your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) recovery journey, something may happen that many people don’t expect: Your nervous system will give you a test.
At first, this might sound confusing or even a bit alarming. After all, you’re working hard on your recovery, doing everything right, and suddenly, your symptoms flare up again. But this isn’t a setback—it’s actually a sign that you’re getting better.
Let’s break it down so you understand what’s going on when this happens.
What’s Happening in Your Nervous System?
Think back to when you were in school. You would go through each chapter of the book, and after every few lessons, you’d take a quiz to test your knowledge. Eventually, at the end of the chapter, there would be a bigger, final test. Your nervous system works in a very similar way during recovery.
Here’s the important part: When you’re doing well, your nervous system will give you a test to see if you’re ready for the next level of healing.
Adjustment Periods vs. Tests: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been following this channel for a while, you know that adjustment periods are a normal part of recovery. These periods typically happen when you expand your activity levels, then need to pull back to rest and recover. It’s a predictable cycle: increase activity, experience a flare-up of symptoms, rest, and then return to activities gradually. Think of these as the quizzes after each chapter.
But when your nervous system is ready for the next level, it will throw a bigger test your way. Here’s what a test typically looks like:
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Unpredictable Symptoms: A test is not tied to a specific event or activity. You won’t be able to pinpoint what caused it. The symptoms may be more intense than usual, or they may include new symptoms you’ve never had before.
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Longer Duration: Unlike a regular adjustment period that lasts a few days, a test may last weeks or even longer.
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Mental Challenge: These tests will push your mental and emotional resilience. They’re meant to challenge your mindset and test whether you’re ready to move on to the next chapter in your recovery.
My Personal Experience: A Real-Life Example
Let me give you a personal example. When I was recovering, I went through what I thought were typical adjustment periods. Whenever I would increase my activity, I’d rest for a few days and feel better after. But then came a time when I entered a much bigger adjustment period.
I started to experience symptoms I hadn’t had in a while—panic attacks, dizziness, and bloating. These symptoms were new, and they were stronger and more persistent than usual. The flare-up lasted for weeks instead of the typical three or four days.
At first, I didn’t know what was happening. I was concerned and thought I might have done something wrong. But then it hit me: This is a test. It wasn’t a setback—it was my nervous system preparing me for the next level of recovery.
How to Handle These Tests
Here’s the most important part: Do not panic.
When these big tests happen, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’ve done something wrong or that your recovery is failing. But the more you stress about it, the worse the situation can become. Don’t freak out.
Instead, take the following steps:
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Recognize the Test for What It Is: Understand that this is a necessary part of your recovery journey. You’re not going backward; you’re pushing your limits to reach the next level.
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Trust the Process: These tests are meant to expand your capacity. They’re uncomfortable, but they don’t last forever. On the other side of this test, you’ll experience greater growth and a higher capacity for activity.
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Stay Resilient: During these tests, it’s important to stay mentally strong. Keep reminding yourself that this is a temporary challenge that will pass.
The Importance of Mindset During These Tests
One of the most challenging aspects of these tests is the mental strain they cause. During this phase, your mind will likely start to doubt your progress. You might question whether you’re doing the right things, or you may feel like you’re not improving at all.
This is normal, but you have to keep your mindset strong. This is a test, not a setback. Stay focused on your long-term goal, and keep pushing through with the knowledge that recovery is a process, not an event.
Why You Shouldn’t Mistake These Tests for Setbacks
A lot of people mistakenly believe that these big tests are setbacks. When they don’t have a clear cause and last longer than usual, it’s easy to think you’re doing something wrong.
But remember: This is part of the process. It’s just like studying for an exam. You do your work, you take the quizzes, and eventually, you face the bigger test. Once you pass it, you’re ready for the next level.
Conclusion: Keep Going, Keep Growing
It’s important to understand that when your nervous system tests you, it’s because you are getting better. The process of recovery is full of ups and downs, but each test you pass makes you stronger and more capable.
So, the next time you go through one of these tests, remind yourself: You’re not going backwards, you’re moving forward. This is a sign that you’re growing, and the next chapter of your recovery is just around the corner.
If you need extra support through this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you through these tests and support you every step of the way.
Call to Action:
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery and need personalized guidance, consider applying for one-on-one coaching or joining our Recovery Program. We’re here to help you break through those tough moments and move toward the life you deserve.
You’re one step away from your breakthrough—keep going!