Q When I feel a bit better and become active, I end up bedridden for days right after. How should I manage my activity level?
A In long COVID, crashing hard after even light activity—known as post-exertional malaise—is common. Rather than using up all your energy on a good day, the key is pacing: dividing activity and rest within your energy limits.
Detailed Answer
One of the most important principles in long COVID recovery is pacing—gradual activity management to avoid post-exertional malaise (PEM). If you push through activity just because you feel better, you'll pay for it with days of illness afterward. The principle is to allocate your daily energy budget in advance, rest before you feel exhausted, and increase activity only very gradually. Taking frequent short breaks helps.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Herbal medicine treatment that replenishes depleted qi and blood raises your overall energy capacity, so you crash less and recover faster with the same activity. At Dongjedang, alongside treatment, we guide you through an easy-to-follow activity-rest schedule so you can steadily and safely expand your range of activity.
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