It’s fair to say that it is has been something of a peculiar year, and this festive season will likely continue in the same vein. Modern technology has allowed us to stay connected during the pandemic, but it also has a habit of setting up addictive patterns of ‘doing’ and achievement. So how can we switch off in a way that will be restorative for our bodies and minds, and help us to embrace the ongoing challenges of the pandemic with resource and resilience? In this blog we offer some tried and tested approaches and strategies -some simple steps for switiching off from work!

Anxiety and an over-adrenalised ‘wired but tired’ state are very common, especially in our increasingly blue-lit world of technology and perpetual doing-ness. One of our team who has fatigue, shares her tried and tested top tips for dealing with a racing mind at bedtime too.

In this article for Top Doctors, one of our referrers Dr. Gerald Coakley discusses what is new in our understanding of post-COVID-19 fatigue and shares suggestions for what people with ongoing fatigue symptoms can access for support.

Here our specialist Dietician considers whether diet can help with post-viral fatigue. What evidence is there? What things should I be considering to stay well? Am I drinking enough?

In this blog, our specialist Physiotherapist examines the benefits and precautions required when introducing physical activity during a period of post-viral fatigue.

For some people, a serious virus such as COVID-19 can result in prolonged symptoms such as fatigue during recovery. This can make it very difficult to return to work in the same manner as prior to being off sick. Its vital that all activity is resumed in a gradual manner to make it sustainable during a recovery phased and this article offers ideas from our specialist Careers Consultant, on how to consider and negotiate a return to work pathway that included considerations like a phased return or flexible working for example.

This is a copy of a blog published through Generali UK as part of their wellbeing programme. It was produced following a webinar that Vitality360 did for their employees and examines the causes of burnout and what can be done to prevent it especially during this time of lockdown and remote working.

How do we find balance in our topsy turvy lockdown lives? Here we present one of the tools that we use to consider the different aspects of our lives and what we can and can’t choose to prioritise.

Having access to remote contact via internet platforms has great benefits at this time of lockdown and it can also bring some challenges. This blog offers some aspects to bear in mind with our use of them especially if we are using them a lot with work and social activities.

In this blog, we address the relationship between viral infections such as covid-19 and fatigue symptoms and the potential for longer-term impacts such as post-viral fatigue. We collate some of the latest research/articles on this topic and draw together, from our clinical specialism in this field of fatigue, our advice for how to manage fatigue at the acute phase of illness and subsequently.

The current Covid-19 pandemic is generating a lot more stress and challenges - in the threat to health (which can feel exacerbated for someone with an underlying health condition), concern about vulnerable family and friends, financial anxiety, and general disruption to our lifestyles.

As someone with long term CFS/ME I notice how anxiety has increased, and with it my fatigue symptoms. Here I offer some suggestions to help deal with this anxiety with some self care strategies.

In this blog, some of our team who are having to adapt as many are to having kids at home following the closure of the schools, share some of their tips on how to deal with this.

I have fallen into many unhelpful traps working at home and thought I would share these with you with some of my own solutions!!

Here are some tips on small ways in which we can take care of our selves and all our needs during this time of lockdown, restrictions and attendant uncertainty.

Is a good sex life possible when living with Persistent Pain?

Many of our clients say it is but it may require a bit of preparation, planning and a willingness to try something a bit different.

As someone who has had a chronic illness with debilitating fatigue and pain for over 16 years, I can find this time of new year resolutions and the general optimism associated with these difficult to be around. I might want to improve my health but keeping it realistic to my limitations can be challenging.

Irritable bowel syndrome, (IBS), is very common and can be really debilitating and can be much worse following festive indulgence.  Gut symptoms vary, but typically include abdominal pain, bloating, wind, nausea, diarrhoea and/or constipation. For some, the symptoms can be so severe that it stops or curtails every day and social activity.

The evidence for the impact of physical activity on health is compelling and the breadth of the impact is becoming clearer over time. The UK guidelines for Physical Activity were updated in 2019, and emphasised the fact that even small increases in physical activity can make a notable difference to health.

I found myself discussing Christmas with a client last week who is already planning for her inevitable setback in January – is this unavoidable? How can you enjoy Christmas but minimise the impact?

Firstly, think about whether you have to say yes!

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, consider going for part of the event