CFS Progress Review: January 2012

A couple of nights ago I read through all my diary entries for January, and made some notes about the helpful things I have found out about managing my CFS symptoms. Since starting my course of homeopathic anti-depressants I have found that I can think about things in a much more constructive and positive way. I still have low moods and bad days, but I am learning to cope with them better now. Below is a list of statements and words which sums up January for me recovering from CFS:

 

• drink plenty of water

• eat less bread and wheat-based products

• consume small meals, little and often or whenever hungry

• eat a high protein diet

• mindfully participate in daily enjoyable/fulfilling activities that are JUST FOR ME

• apply the Four Noble Truths as practised in Buddhism

• realise that I have been going through a process of grief and mourning

• learning to listen to my body's subtle messages

• practising mindful and guided mediations daily

• cherry-picking advice from self-help books and finding what works for me personally

• remembering that the onset of flu-like aches and pains means it's time to STOP whatever I am doing IMMEDIATELY and REST COMPLETELY

• not spending too long sitting slouched in front of my laptop

• having courage

• taking things ONE DAY AT A TIME, one thing at a time, sometimes even one minute at a time...

 

This is what I have found has benefited me personally. I am not suggesting that this approach is a cure all, some, many or few of these practises or approaches may or may not work for you. CFS/ME can be brought on by a myriad of events/illnesses etc. so who is to say there is going to be one satisfactory remedy for us all? We are all individuals and will have our own individual way of dealing with and treating our symptoms effectively to suit us.

Once thing I can say with much certainty is that I definitely now see myself as a recoverer, NOT a sufferer.