During and After Recovery Personality and lifestyle affect the body's level of nervous system arousal and adrenaline. It is for these reasons you must be aware that even when you are fully better: •
The greater the number of commitments you take on
•
The higher the standard of performance you expect
•
The longer the duration of the commitments
the more your nervous system will be aroused which inevitably leads to symptoms including fatigue, headaches, aches and dizziness. ~ ~ ~ ~
Fear of symptoms Misinterpreting symptoms as signs of relapse or disease Monitoring symptoms Frustration with symptoms & limitations
causes further nervous system arousal with further symptoms that can delay or prevent complete recovery. By controlling the number of commitments and the standard of performance you can control the level of activity of the nervous system and adrenaline production. In this way you control symptoms.
After CFS -:
The mind and the body build up the ability to cope with mental and physical commitments by gradual repeated exposure to • social contact
• study
• work
• exercise.
Remember, for the first months such activities will cause increased nervous system arousal resulting in symptoms including fatigue. Because recovering patients experienced such symptoms when they were ill with CFS, they may fear relapse in recovery. This can be avoided by: •
Gradually building up demanding, stressful commitments
•
Pacing these activities with relaxation
•
Doing regular aerobic exercise that maintains deep sleep & physical stamina
•
When you feel tired after demanding activities such as work, avoid sleeping in the daytime and early evening. Do some gentle enjoyable exercise.
85