Living with ME/CFS and Learning to Pace Naturally
ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome) can feel like your energy has been replaced with fog. Tasks that once felt simple now drain you completely. For many neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD or autism, the condition’s demand for rest and slowness can feel like the hardest lesson of all.
Through my work in nature-based ADHD and neurodivergent coaching in Southend-on-Sea, I’ve seen how reconnecting with the pace of nature helps clients recover trust in their body’s signals, rather than fighting them.
Learning to live in rhythm
The most powerful support for ME/CFS is pacing, learning to do just enough, then rest before exhaustion hits. Nature models this perfectly: the tide comes in and out, trees grow slowly, and winter always follows a busy summer. Your body, too, has seasons.
By noticing patterns, your strongest hours, your need for recovery time, you begin to build a rhythm that protects energy instead of draining it.
Nervous system care
ME/CFS is often rooted in nervous system dysregulation. Chronic stress or trauma can push the body into survival mode, where energy becomes scarce. Calming the system is key.
Simple grounding practices, such as gentle breathwork, lying on the grass, or mindful time by the sea, help shift the body towards rest-and-digest. For those unable to get outdoors, listening to guided meditations or recordings of wavescan provide a similar sense of peace and safety.
Herbal allies for gentle support
A few gentle herbs can nurture energy without overstimulation:
Oatstraw deeply nourishes the nervous system and supports calm recovery from burnout.
Nettle leaf is mineral-rich, gently energising and supportive for those with long-term fatigue.
Lemon balm soothes anxiety and supports restorative sleep.
These herbs can be enjoyed as teas or tinctures, offering slow and steady nourishment rather than instant energy.
Reconnecting with body and trust
One of the most painful parts of ME/CFS is feeling betrayed by your body. Yet your body isn’t the enemy, it’s the messenger. By honouring its limits and building safety through gentle consistency, healing can unfold over time.
Through nature-based ADHD coaching, clients often find peace in letting go of the old pace of life. You learn that slowing down is not a failure, it’s the foundation for genuine restoration.
Healing with ME/CFS is a long conversation with your body. When you move in rhythm with the Earth, you no longer chase recovery, you create space for it to emerge naturally.
If you need support to navigate your own energy or are looking for ADHD, autism or AuDHD coaching in the UK, you can work with me through Access to Work funding, or privately with Earth Coaching®. Sessions are available online across the UK and in-person in Southend.
Please Note:
This website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition before making changes. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
