Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Importance Of Rest...

Please note: Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are believed to fall under the umbrella term 'ME/CFS'. To make it easier for you to read through this page, Sleepydust will use the term 'ME/CFS' to refer to them collectively. But it's worth bearing in mind that each of these separate terms have similar but different definitions.

Rest is especially important in the early stages of ME/CFS. If you don't make it a point to rest, and not push yourself beyond your limits, you may find your health getting even worse. So it's important to listen to your body.

If you follow the pacing approach, it is equally important to include rest in your recovery program. According to the pacing approach, rest plays a vital role in conserving your energy for your recovery from ME/CFS.

Carrying On Regardless?

ME/CFS can affect you profoundly, both physically and mentally. When you first develop ME/CFS, a big problem can be getting used to your diminished capabilities. This can dampen your morale and even contribute towards depression (a possible symptom). This reaction is completely understandable.

Many new sufferers who don't really know what's happening to them, just try to continue on regardless. But this can worsen your condition even further. So it's worth bearing in mind that, if you keep on going without adequate rest, you may well run yourself into the ground...

Bottom line? If you feel terrible now, you probably won't know what's hit you if you don't make 'resting' your number one priority, at least when you first develop ME/CFS.

"I learnt the hard way. I was pushing myself too hard. Time and time again, I would relapse. I just got worse and worse.

The only way from stopping the downward spiral was to just give in and rest when my body needed to stop"

-- Angela, Milton Keynes, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Sufferer --

If you haven't learned about pacing yet, then you can read about pacing here...

Relaxation therapy and stress relief may also be helpful for rest. Listening to calming music or music with narration is also a great way to relax. There are plenty of relaxation CDs out there that can help to you to rest.

Get Free Info About ME/CFS...

If you think you have ME/CFS, then make sure you sign up to the FREE Sleepydust Emagazine. You'll receive a free newsletter emailed straight to your email box, packed full of tips for dealing with your ME/CFS and/or Fibromyalgia.

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So what should you do when you're not resting?

Well, many sufferers say that they find the pacing approach helpful for managing their ME/CFS. You can learn more about pacing here...

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