Im writing this because the "me from 4 years ago" would have wanted this. I hope others benefit from it. Feel free to contribute in this thread...
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The original was posted on /r/cfs by /u/throwback5971 on 2025-02-06 06:14:49+00:00.

Im writing this because the “me from 4 years ago” would have wanted this. I hope others benefit from it. Feel free to contribute in this thread for others if you have useful things to add!

Self work :

  • Breathwork : I like Othership, iOS/Android. Or free on youtube

  • Meditation : I like “The Way” on Android/iOS. Calm app is also nice but “too much choice” for me

  • Basic breathing techniques : close eyes and do Box Breathing, 4-7-8

  • Cold showers / cold water (whether pool, a lake, your bathtub, sink)

  • Sauna (if you can tolerate it), combines well with cold water after

Supplements : Please note - to maintain effectiveness you must take a week break after eg. 3-4 weeks

  • Valerian

  • Lemon balm

  • Ashwaganda

  • L-theanine

  • Brahmi

  • Herbal teas (chamomile, linden, peppermint, sleep blends (usually have valerian)

Reducing stimulation :

  • No Caffeine/stimulants.

I left the love of my life, coffee. I miss it. But I think it may be for the best, for now

  • Limit any/all screen time.

No scrolling my phone. No reading news. Very limited social media. Deliberate use of technology only

  • If I do watch video/tv I make sure its A) timeboxed B) something relaxing. No action movies, drama, no jumpcut youtube videos. Calming, slow paced stuff only.

-Stario Launcher on Android. There’s also minimalist launcher.

This helps to reduce the temptation to use random apps, check stuff, etc.

  • Close your eyes. On really rough days, maybe its 20 minutes every hour. It helps, lame as it is.

Nature :

If you have nature easily accessible, and decent weather : just going there to sit and observe nature, people. This can be great. Stay out of your mind, enjoy the scenery.

Particularly I want to share breathwork. I struggled with meditation because of the mental focus and effort it requires - breathwork comes more easy to me. That said, I have persisted with meditation now and I’ve managed to make it a daily habit. I feel now after more than 2 months, its starting to bear more fruit.