Understanding how ME/CFS affects the body is one thing. Working around the daily limitations of the condition is another.

Living with ME/CFS needs a big shift in how you approach daily tasks. Doing things in ways that save energy, instead of your normal way. These guides will not apply to every person, or every severity level, so take whatever you find useful to your situation.

Washing, getting dressed and managing personal hygiene are some of the most energy intensive parts of the day. Each task has unexpected costs – too much heat, standing for too long, and sustained effort. They can all drain your battery quicker than you’d expect.

For more, see our personal care guides which cover showering, washing hair, and getting dressed.

If a task drains your energy, the best approach is to change how you do it, or lower your effort in the task. The goal is to preserve your energy for what matters.

• Washing up. On difficult days, consider using disposable plates or compostable cutlery so you don’t have to tire yourself out loading a dishwasher or washing by hand.
• Sit when possible. Sitting down when doing daily tasks will take away much of the energy drain. Keep a stool or comfortable chair in the kitchen and sit while you prepare food, sort laundry, or tackle the dishes. Standing uses much more energy than you might think.

Arrange your living space so that getting what you need costs as little energy as possible.
as possible.

• Create rest spots in each room. Have somewhere to sit or rest wherever you spend your time – this could be the kitchen, bathroom or living room.
• Keep an essentials basket nearby. Have a basket with your daily essentials near your bed or sofa, so you don’t have to keep getting up to get them. Medications, water, electrolytes, snacks, chargers or whatever else you need are all good ideas.
• Move things to reachable heights. Move your most used items to places where you don’t need to bend down or stretch up to get them.

Leaving home for any errand carries energy costs – going to the doctor, food shopping, or anything far from home. Using mobility aids can make a real difference to how well you manage these tasks, and how much energy you spend.

• Portable chairs. A chair that folds out can be a good option for when fatigue hits and you need a rest. Many can fit in a backpack but that does also come with an energy cost of carrying it.
• Rollators. A walker with a built-in seat gives you somewhere to sit down immediately if you need to. Many fold down easily and can also double as storage so you’re not carrying things.
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters. These can be the difference between fully housebound and getting out for short periods. There is a higher financial cost but if it suits your needs it would be worth considering.

Mobility aids are tools to help you manage your condition and energy. Using them is a practical way to reduce how much energy you spend, and you can focus more on what matters.

Relationships require energy. This is one of the harder adjustments of living with ME/CFS.

• Communicating your limits. You do not owe anyone a detailed explanation about your limits. Saying ‘I would like to, but my health doesn’t allow it today’ is enough. It helps to set expectations early, letting people know that last-minute cancellations are sometimes unavoidable.
• Guilt around rest. Resting when plans are cancelled or chores are not done can often bring guilt, but it shouldn’t. Rest is not optional in ME/CFS. It is an essential part of managing this long-term condition, not a failure of effort.

Living with ME/CFS involves ongoing trial and error. What works on one day may not work on another, and what works for one person may not work for you. Adjusting your approach over time is part of the process of living with ME/CFS.