context: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome ( ME/ CFS) will change your life in many ways. It is a condition that can be hard to cope with. But you can adopt some strategies to make it easier. You may go through bad phases, or relapses, followed by better ones (remission). Knowing to expect this pattern will help you understand how to manage your energy. When you're in a relapse, it might be hard to get through even simple morning routines, like a shower. Plan to allow extra time for tasks that are hard for you. When you feel well again, you may want to try to do as much as you can while you've got the energy. Don't try it. If you push yourself too hard, you may crash later. Repeating this cycle can drive you right back into a relapse. You'll need to learn to balance daily activities with rest, even when you're in remission. It's important to keep moving, such as with regular walking. It will keep you active and strong. Just remember to pace yourself: pushing too hard can cause you to feel worse. stretching and strengthening exercises using only your own body weight also can help. Shoot for one minute of activity followed by 3 minutes of rest. Break exercise into several brief sessions a day. Try these types of exercises: Hand stretches Sitting and standing Wall push-ups Picking up and grasping objects Start with two to four repetitions and work your way up to eight at the most. As the exercise becomes manageable, gradually increase the time you do it. Aim for an increase of about 1 to 5 minutes per week. But continue to get 3 minutes of rest for every minute of exercise. If you reach a point where your exercise routine causes your symptoms to get worse, drop back down to the last level of exercise you could tolerate. A physical therapist can modify your exercise plan if you can't leave home or get out of bed. Watching what you eat can help you manage your symptoms. Avoid any foods or chemicals you are sensitive to. A diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, avoiding saturated fats and refined carbohydratesâlike the Mediterranean Dietâis reported by many people with ME/ CFS to be helpful. Eat several small meals throughout the day. For example, three meals and three snacks might help keep energy levels up. Smaller meals might also help control nausea, which sometimes happens with chronic fatigue syndrome. To help control energy levels, it's also a good idea to avoid these things: Sugar Sweeteners Alcohol Caffeine Some people with ME/ CFS have memory loss. Use a day-planner (a paper one or a smart phone app) to keep up with your schedule and remember the things you need to do. Set reminders on your smartphone when it's time to go somewhere or do something. Keep lists. Use âsticky notes.â Puzzles, word games, and card games â also available on your smartphone â can keep your mind active and might help your memory improve. About half of those with ME/ CFS work. If you have problems, you might qualify for coverage under the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA). This law requires some employers to provide âreasonable accommodationsâ to help people with disabilities do their jobs. You might need a flexible schedule, a place to rest at work, and written job instructions for people with memory problems. The accommodations depend on your job, your symptoms, and how they affect your ability to do your job. If you can't work because of your condition, you might qualify for disability benefits from either a private insurance policy or from Social Security. It can be hard for co-workers, friends, family, and loved ones to understand ME/ CFS. They might not realize how much it affects your daily life. Or they might not believe that it's real. Friends and co-workers of people with ME/ CFS need to get educated about the condition. Chronic fatigue can take a toll on your personal relationships, too. Loss of energy, pain, and potential side effects of medications can keep you from enjoyingan active social life, playing with your kids, or having a healthy sex life. You may find you feel better when you talk to other people with your condition. Your doctor can give you information about support groups in your area. About half of those with ME/ CFS develop depression at some point. Some symptoms of depression are similar to your condition, so it can be hard to tell the difference. â Red flagsâ for depression could include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, guilt or worthlessness, or thoughts of suicide and death. If you think you are depressed, tell your doctor. Medications and talk therapy for depression can help with physical and emotional symptoms.