Living With Chronic Fatigue: 7 Tips That Actually Work

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Overview

Are you struggling with chronic fatigue, and you’re having a hard time dealing with the problems it cause in your everyday life?

In today's newsletter titled: Living With Chronic Fatigue: 7 Tips That Actually Work…

I’m going to share 7 tips I learned when I was struggling with CFS on how to navigate the challenges in your personal and professional life as you recover from chronic fatigue.

Note: I suggest you watch the video version of this newsletter above, but if you're a reader, then that's what this written section is for :)

Quick disclaimer: No, I’m not a doctor, this is NOT medical advice, just my experience. But I DO know what it’s like to have your life put on hold by chronic fatigue, and more importantly, I know how to beat it, even when some doctors say it’s incurable.

Why troubleshooting daily life matters...

Recovering from chronic fatigue isn't just about getting a little better—it's about staying better while stepping back into work, relationships, and normal routines. There are three core reasons you need to be strategic:

• Your energy is limited. You can no longer waste it on things that don't serve your recovery.
• Ignoring warning signs causes setbacks. Learning how to adapt prevents crashes and keeps progress steady.
• Sustainable success requires adjustments. The goal isn’t to sprint back to your old pace; it’s to build a new optimized way to thrive.

Success after chronic fatigue is not about doing more—it's about doing what truly matters in a way that supports your health.

7 common challenges and how to troubleshoot them...

Problem 1 — I can't relax even at home

Make your home a sanctuary. Changing your environment reduces visual and sensory stress so your body can recover.

• Declutter and simplify. A clean, organized space reduces mental overwhelm.
• Comfort first. Invest in an ergonomic chair, cozy blankets, soft lighting, blue-blocker glasses, or noise-cancelling headphones—whatever makes your space inviting.
• Calming elements. Add plants, soothing colors, and quiet zones to promote relaxation and focus.

Problem 2 — I feel constantly overstimulated

I felt this too. The fix is to remove common stressors and protect your nervous system.

• Noise sensitivity: Use noise-cancelling headphones or create quiet zones if loud environments drain you.
• Digital overload: Limit notifications and screen time. Try Do Not Disturb mode and consider removing social media from your phone.
• Toxic inputs: Cut down on negative news, doom-scrolling, and draining conversations. Replace them with uplifting content and supportive people.
• Stressful entertainment: Avoid psychological thrillers, horror, and intense action—swap them for low-stress movies (I’m a huge fan of romcoms; if you want my list of 100 favorites, I’ll send it).

Problem 3 — How do I get back to work?

Increase your work capacity slowly and deliberately. Small, consistent gains beat occasional overexertion.

• Build gradually: If you can work 3 hours/day in week one, aim for 4 hours/day in week two. If you're at zero, start with 10–30 minutes a day, 3–5 times per week.
• Use time blocks: Begin with 10–60 minute blocks and increase as your energy returns.
• Say no strategically: Delegate, automate, and eliminate tasks that aren’t essential.
• Listen to your body: If tension or fatigue arises, take a 15-minute break or end the block early. I often use an NSDR or a brain-nurturing round to clear cortisol and relieve tension.
• Prioritize consistency over intensity. Regular, moderate effort rebuilds capacity without crashes.

Problem 4 — Social events are draining

Adapt how you socialize so connection doesn’t equal exhaustion.

• Start low-energy: Phone calls, short visits, and casual meetups are better starting points.
• Limit duration: Begin with 15–60 minute interactions; avoid long nights out.
• Choose energy-friendly settings: Quiet cafes, short walks, or small at-home dinners work well.
• Pre-plan exits: Set expectations up front—“I’ll stay an hour, then I need to head home.” This reduces stress for you and others.

Problem 5 — How do I explain my health issues to others?

Be honest but forward-focused. Acknowledge the past briefly, then shift to a positive future so others see you as someone recovering, not someone stuck.

Try a concise structure: acknowledge → pivot to progress → envision the future.

"Yeah, it was tough. I had CFS and at my worst I was bedridden for months. But now I'm excited—I'm working with a mentor and I'm on my way to wellness. I'm looking forward to surfing again, playing volleyball, and traveling."

This keeps the conversation authentic and empowering.

Problem 6 — I feel guilty for not being as present with my kids or partner

Quality over quantity matters more than you might think. Short bursts of full presence build stronger connection than long stretches of low-energy availability.

• Be fully present in short bursts: 10–60 minutes of undistracted time is powerful.
• Low-energy bonding: Read together, watch a show, play simple games, take slow nature walks, sit by a fire, or share unplugged meals.
• Communicate clearly: Explain your limits and express love and commitment so your family understands that fatigue is not a lack of care.

Problem 7 — I want to have fun again, but I’m afraid of overdoing it

Use the 8-out-of-10 rule. Before you start an activity, assess how confident you are that you can enjoy it without overdoing it.

• Rate it 1–10: If your confidence is 8/10 or higher, go for it. If it’s below 8, modify the activity.
• Examples: Instead of a long hike, try a short walk. If you notice your confidence dropping during an activity, pause, do a brief relaxation or NSDR, and reassess.
• Celebrate partial wins: If your confidence doesn’t come back, acknowledge the progress and stop. You did what you could—recognize that as success.
• Prioritize restorative joy: Seek activities that restore—music, art, nature, gentle socializing—rather than high-energy events that risk a crash.

Recap and next steps...

So that was: Living With Chronic Fatigue: 7 Tips That Actually Work.

Your action step: Use these 7 tips to troubleshoot your lifestyle.

If something isn’t feeling right, come back to this video to learn how to adjust your routine, so that you can get unstuck, & get back on track to achieving total wellness and building a life you love.

This could be the start of YOUR comeback story. 

Now, if you want more help on overcoming chronic fatigue naturally, regain your health and achieve total wellness, then I invite you to join my free weekly newsletter or apply to work with me 1-1 and I’ll help you start rewiring your brain & fix the glitch today.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the next newsletter!

-Jeff Bangshow
Your CFS To Wellness™ Mentor

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:

1.Join The Jeff Bangshow Newsletter: Join and get free weekly insights to overcome chronic fatigue naturally, rebuild your health, and achieve total wellness.

2.Work With Me 1-1: Get 1-1 mentorship from me personally to overcome chronic fatigue naturally, regain your health and achieve total wellness.

3.Book Me To Speak: Want me on your podcast or at your next event? I speak about overcoming chronic fatigue naturally and achieving total wellness. Email me the details: [email protected].