Living day to day with Long COVID
Living with Long COVID is often invisible to others, but it is very real. Some days you may feel completely drained, other days your brain just won’t focus. Breathlessness, fatigue, brain fog, and post exertional malaise PEM are just some of the challenges people face. I want to share what life with Long COVID can look like, what has helped me, and what might help others navigating similar struggles.
Fatigue and Energy Management
Fatigue in Long COVID is different from ordinary tiredness. It can hit without warning and linger for days. Over time, I learned that tracking my energy and pacing my day helps prevent crashes.
Simple ways to manage energy:
- Break tasks into small steps and spread them out
- Rest before you feel completely exhausted
- Keep a simple diary of energy levels to notice patterns
Internal link example: Read more in the Fatigue and Energy Management section.
Brain Fog and Mental Clarity
Brain fog makes thinking feel like wading through mud. Remembering appointments, focusing on work, or even following conversations can be exhausting. What has helped me:
- Checklists and reminders for important tasks
- Doing the hardest thinking when energy is at its peak
- Giving myself permission to slow down
Internal link example: Explore similar ideas in the Brain Fog and Cognition section.
Breathlessness in Daily Life
Even simple activities like walking to the kitchen can leave you breathless. Mindful breathing, gentle pacing, and planning your day carefully have made a difference. It is about keeping safe while still being able to live your life.
Internal link example: More guidance in the Breathlessness section.
Post Exertional Malaise PEM
PEM is tricky because symptoms can worsen hours or even a day after any activity. Learning what triggers PEM for you and planning rest after even small efforts is vital. Over time, it becomes easier to spot patterns and adjust your day.
Internal link example: Tips in the Pacing and PEM section.
Disclaimer
This site shares lived experience and evidence informed ways of understanding and managing Long COVID. It is not medical advice and should not replace seeing a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are ongoing or worsening, please seek medical help.
LongCovidJourney is not a cure site and nothing here is guaranteed to work. These are personal experiences and insights that have helped me and may help others navigate life with Long COVID.
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Long Covid Journey 