What Are Adjustment Periods in CFS Recovery? Why They Feel Scary but Mean You’re Getting Better
When you’re recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or long COVID, one of the most confusing parts of the journey is something called an adjustment period. These can feel like a step backward—but they’re actually a key part of getting better.
In this blog, we’ll explain what adjustment periods are, how they affect your body and mind, and what you can do to stay grounded while going through them.
What Is an Adjustment Period?
Think of your nervous system like a muscle. Just like going to the gym causes your muscles to get sore before they grow stronger, gently pushing your nervous system outside its comfort zone causes temporary discomfort.
This discomfort is what we call an adjustment period.
During recovery, you’re slowly expanding what your body and mind can handle. As you do this, your nervous system may feel “sore.” But instead of muscle soreness, you get symptoms like:
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Increased fatigue
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Brain fog
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Sleep changes (vivid dreams or insomnia)
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Digestive issues
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Emotional ups and downs
The good news? These symptoms mean your nervous system is adapting and building resilience.
Why They Feel So Intense
Your nervous system isn’t just in charge of energy or pain—it touches everything: digestion, sleep, emotions, even your thoughts.
So when it’s “sore,” like during an adjustment period, no system is off-limits. That’s why you might feel like you’re falling apart, even when you’re actually making progress.
You might also notice:
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Feeling overly emotional or anxious
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Thoughts racing or becoming irrational
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Urges to seek constant reassurance
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Forgetting what it feels like to have a good day
These mental and emotional shifts can be just as tough as the physical ones. That’s normal.
How to Stay Grounded During an Adjustment Period
Here are a few ways to stay calm when you’re in the thick of it:
1. Remind Yourself It’s Temporary
This isn’t a crash. It’s not a relapse. It’s your nervous system adjusting to a little bit more activity or stimulation. This is progress.
2. Record a “Good Day” Video
Coach Junior suggests a great tool: record a short message to yourself on a good day. Say how you feel, what’s going well, and remind yourself that recovery is possible.
Then re-watch it during hard moments. It’s an amazing way to reconnect with hope and logic when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
3. Don’t Panic Over Symptoms
When symptoms flare, the worst thing you can do is panic. Fear makes the nervous system even more sensitive. Instead, acknowledge the symptoms, stay calm, and rest. Think of it like a storm that will pass.
4. Know That Everyone Goes Through This
Even people who fully recover had adjustment periods. It’s a shared part of the journey. You’re not going backward—you’re just building a stronger foundation for lasting health.
Final Thoughts: This Is Part of the Process
The truth is, adjustment periods are uncomfortable—but they are necessary. They show your nervous system is learning to handle more, little by little. They don’t mean you’re failing. They mean you’re growing.
If you’re in the middle of one right now, take it easy. Let your system settle. And remember: the calm will return. You’ve been okay before—you will be again.