For many living with chronic illnesses, particularly ME/CFS, long COVID, POTS, or other conditions, this is a harsh reality. The body responds to exertion with more than just tiredness—it crashes in a way that leaves you feeling wiped out, even after a long rest. This phenomenon is called post-exertional malaise (PEM).In this post, we’ll dive into why PEM happens, how it differs from typical fatigue, and, most importantly, how to manage it.

Living with chronic illness isn’t just about surviving day-to-day—it’s about navigating a maze of challenges that can feel endless. Sometimes, it’s easy to feel defeated when the big changes aren’t happening, and the struggles feel constant. But in reality, it’s often the smaller, more subtle victories that keep us going. Whether it’s getting a long-awaited answer, gaining the courage to advocate for yourself in a doctor’s office, or managing to take care of yourself during a flare-up, these moments are important. They’re the little victories that can move the needle forward and, over time, lead to bigger changes in how we cope, manage, and thrive. So, let’s dive into some of these small wins, with practical tips and real-life examples, to show you how they can make a meaningful difference in your life.

Navigating nutrition while managing chronic illness can feel overwhelming. When energy is limited, cooking from scratch or planning balanced meals may seem impossible. But with a few thoughtful strategies, it’s absolutely possible to fuel your body and get the nutrients you need—even when relying on convenience foods, delivery, or meal services.

Here’s how to get essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber with minimal effort, plus why these nutrients are so important for your health.

Understanding what drains or restores your energy is key to feeling your best. In this blog, we explore practical tips for identifying energy drainers and gainers in your life. Learn how to spot patterns, create balance, and prioritize activities that help you recharge. Protect your energy and set boundaries so you can feel more in control and refreshed every day.

When managing a chronic illness, it can often feel like you’re walking a tightrope. On one side, there’s the structured, evidence-based approach of Western medicine; on the other, the holistic and integrative philosophies of Eastern medicine. The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. By combining these practices thoughtfully, you can create a personalized care plan that meets your unique needs.

A new year often brings a sense of renewal and reflection. For those of us living with chronic illness, the concept of a "fresh start" can feel complicated. While we can’t leave our conditions behind on December 31st, we can bring tools into the new year to help us face its challenges with compassion and resilience.

Mantras—simple, meaningful phrases that ground and guide us—are a powerful tool. They don’t promise miracles or “good vibes only,” but they remind us of truths that can be easy to forget in the whirlwind of daily life.

In this post, we’ll share 25 mantras to inspire, validate, and motivate you throughout 2025. Along the way, we’ll explore why mantras work, how to integrate them into your life, and additional ways to cultivate a mindset that supports your well-being.

The holiday season can bring both joy and stress, especially for those managing chronic illness or mental health challenges. In this blog post, discover 10 practical tips for maintaining your mental well-being through the holidays. From setting realistic expectations to practicing mindfulness and setting boundaries, learn how to prioritize your health and find peace this festive season. Whether you're managing stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed, these strategies can help you navigate the season with more balance and less pressure.

Learn how the pain-tension cycle impacts chronic pain sufferers and why your body might be trapped in a loop of tension and discomfort. Discover practical strategies, including breathing techniques, gentle movement, and mindfulness, to break the cycle and manage pain more effectively. Understand the role of the nervous system in chronic pain and how to create a relaxing routine for ongoing relief. You're not alone—find support and insights to help manage your chronic pain.

When living with chronic illness, trying to explain pain can feel overwhelming, whether it’s with a care provider, a coworker, a friend, or a spouse. Additionally, when you are experiencing high levels of pain you might feel foggy, making it even more difficult to name the feeling. Words like “bad” or “unbearable” only scratch the surface, yet it can be hard to dig deeper—especially in the moment. Let’s talk about why using descriptive words for pain is important, why it’s so tricky, and how you can make it easier for yourself. Plus, we’ve included a full list of pain descriptors to save and use whenever you need it.

For anyone living with chronic illness, every day is full of decisions that often feel like a balancing act. Managing symptoms, energy, and self-care means making trade-offs that most people never have to consider. Whether it’s taking a medication with difficult side effects or choosing rest over social time, each choice comes with its own set of challenges. In this post, we’ll cover common chronic illness trade-offs, offer tips for managing these choices, and provide resources to help make each decision a little bit easier.

Self-advocacy is a powerful skill, especially when managing a chronic illness. But communicating needs, preferences, and concerns in medical settings can feel daunting. Many people with chronic conditions find it challenging to speak up, especially if they’ve had negative experiences with dismissive providers. However, using certain phrases can help you navigate conversations, make your needs known, and build a more collaborative relationship with your healthcare team. Here are ten phrases to keep in your self-advocacy toolkit, plus tips to help you feel more empowered.

Invisible Disabilities Week is an important reminder that many of us live with challenges that aren’t immediately visible to others. Invisible disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and neurodivergent conditions. These disabilities can impact our daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being, yet they often remain unseen. As a result, individuals living with invisible disabilities may encounter misunderstanding or skepticism from others, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation.