Naturopathy: My naturopath was my grounding force through-out the early years of my illness. She set me on the right path with diet, nutrition and supplements, and supported me in a way no-one else could. I would not have made the progress I did without her. Accupuncture: I had never had acupuncture before but as I was struggling with energy, and acupuncture deals with the restoring of our life force or ‘Qi’, I thought it was worth a try. It was quite amazing. At first (as my therapist had warned me) it sent me into an energy crash, but once I recovered from the crash I would feel better than I had before the session. A very useful healing modality that I also used when dealing with sciatica.

Walking: Other than the gentle stretches, walking was the start of my physical recovery journey. At the beginning of 2022 I was happy if I could do 5-10 minutes of slow walking a day. Whilst doing the ANS Rewire program I was able to gradually increase this and before long 20 minute walks were no problem. Now I feel deprived if I walk less than 45 minutes in a day. It’s an amazing feeling being able to walk and not pay for it later - I feel especially blessed to get to take many of my walks along our beautiful coastline. Tai Chi: I had heard about the benefits of Tai Chi so once I had started gaining enough energy on a consistent basis to start some form of exercise, I looked for classes. I came across Tai Chi Chuan being taught twice a week by two amazing volunteers at the Umbrella Centre in Whitstable, requiring just a donation to the Umbrella Centre. I started going to the 8am Monday class, and about 6 months in started doing both classes. It is an amazing practice and I have now also started learning sword-form. Pilates: When I started my ANS Rewire course the most movement I could incorporate regularly were just a few minutes of stretching each day. Once my recovery was well underway I was doing 15 minutes per day but wanted to do more. Peace by the Sea in Tankerton hosts a number of weekly yoga and Pilates classes. I had practised yoga before but never really loved it - more endured it! So I decided to try Holistic Pilates. It turned out to be the perfect fit for me - gentle stretching and movement but no heroics - a welcome addition to my weekly routine.

Counselling: Dealing with a chronic illness is really tough. There's a general lack of understanding about ME/CFS and as an illness it is quite stigmatised. There's also a period of mourning to deal with - I found myself grieving the loss of my future - I had to leave my job, couldn’t care for myself let alone my child, and had to leave the country I lived in and loved in order to move closer to family, as our little unit couldn’t survive without their support. My counsellor was a great support throughout this process, and I was able to stay mentally strong and healthy even whilst I losing my ability to function. Support: Anyone suffering a crisis of any kind will know how important support is. During my journey with ME/CFS I got to experience a highly supportive workplace and colleagues, caring and supportive friends, and a renewed appreciation for the absolute dedication and support of my closest family members. I have been so lucky in this respect, and I know that. Without it though, It is unlikely I would have made it to this place of recovery, as financial, emotional and physical support were all crucial in enabling me to find my way back to a fulfilled life, and for my mental wellbeing. Well, that, and a brutal determination to live the best life I possibly could!

Infrared Saunas: I had never enjoyed the heat of a sauna but was told this felt different, as it was invisible light rays rather than hot air. So I tried it and got addicted! It really helped me with my Fibromyalgia pain, and I found that I could tolerate being in it a lot easier than I could a traditional sauna. Weekly saunas are a part of my ongoing health regime and are great for detoxifying. Epsom Salts: I was advised that Epsom salt baths were very good for easing pain and inflammation, and would relax your muscles (the magnesium is also great for sleep). So I tried them, and really, what’s not to love? I sleep so much better after having them, and my whole body feels relaxed. My favourite way to use them? In a jacuzzi tub, lovely!

Like many people with ME/CFS I suffered from insomnia, and could often spend hours lying awake at night totally exhausted, but unable to sleep. Although it still plagues me on occasion, I now know that I can control it by committing to my good sleep hygiene practices. Key elements include regular sleep hours in a cool, dark, comfortable room; no electronic devices or tv 3 hours before bed; no caffeine or alcohol; adequate exercise/movement during the day and no naps; and not eating anything too heavy or too close to bedtime.

Spiritual Developement: My interest in spiritual development started with meditation, and by living next to 'Peace by the Sea' in Tankerton. I’m not religious per se, so never felt there was a way for me to explore that side of myself, and was always a little more fearful than curious. However, after joining the meditation sessions and going to a coffee morning and trying tarot for the first time, I got more curious. I started attending healing sessions, then when biweekly Spiritual Development Circles started I decided to go along to them too. I have met some incredible people and am thoroughly enjoying my journey and the fascinating things I am learning and experiencing. I now look out for new experiences - this year I had my first sound bath and did a 'Kakao & Kunyin' workshop, both of which were fantastic. (Mindfulness) Meditation: Meditation, especially when you are new to it, can be absolutely exhausting! So it's no surprise it took me years before I felt able to commit to it as a daily practice. Quite the opposite to what I had imagined it was, rather than having to empty my mind of all thoughts I was undertaking a mental training practice and learning to focus, and in this way to quiet the mind. It was one of the last things I did in my recovery journey and the biggest game changer for me as it paved the way for the vitally important changes I needed to make through neuroplasticity (see ANS Rewire). I do less dedicated mindfulness and meditation now (though I still do a weekly group meditation at the Peace By the Sea in Tankerton) and instead use my Tai Chi and Pilates classes for their inherent mindfulness practice.