I Crash: Texts from M.E.
This post uses my own text messages to give a first-person documentary account of an experience of Long Covid and ME/CFS. humanisticsystems.com/2026/05/17/i...
This post uses my own text messages to give a first-person documentary account of an experience of Long Covid and ME/CFS. humanisticsystems.com/2026/05/17/i...
I Crash: Texts from M.E.
Low-energy summary This post uses my own text messages to give a first-person documentary account of an experience of Long Covid and ME/CFS. I use private messages, sent at different times to diffe…
humanisticsystems.com
May 23, 2026 at 4:20 PM
I like that the #EliteHRV app gives a visual indication of this slight #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
October 10, 2025 at 5:17 AM
I like that the #EliteHRV app gives a visual indication of this slight #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
Back to work today.
My body is still 'Out Of Balance' following my visit up to Derbyshire a week ago and the #ParasympatheticSwing that became noticeable on Satutday (5 days ago) 👇
bsky.app/profile/benk...
My body is still 'Out Of Balance' following my visit up to Derbyshire a week ago and the #ParasympatheticSwing that became noticeable on Satutday (5 days ago) 👇
bsky.app/profile/benk...
EliteHRV doing its job and warning me of a potential #PEM symptom crash 🙏
I have had lots of Rest here with my mum in Derbyshire, but a combination of out-of-the-ordinary experiences / stressors have probably contributed to this morning's #ParasympatheticSwing - not least 2 very poor nights' sleep.
I have had lots of Rest here with my mum in Derbyshire, but a combination of out-of-the-ordinary experiences / stressors have probably contributed to this morning's #ParasympatheticSwing - not least 2 very poor nights' sleep.
September 3, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Back to work today.
My body is still 'Out Of Balance' following my visit up to Derbyshire a week ago and the #ParasympatheticSwing that became noticeable on Satutday (5 days ago) 👇
bsky.app/profile/benk...
My body is still 'Out Of Balance' following my visit up to Derbyshire a week ago and the #ParasympatheticSwing that became noticeable on Satutday (5 days ago) 👇
bsky.app/profile/benk...
EliteHRV doing its job and warning me of a potential #PEM symptom crash 🙏
I have had lots of Rest here with my mum in Derbyshire, but a combination of out-of-the-ordinary experiences / stressors have probably contributed to this morning's #ParasympatheticSwing - not least 2 very poor nights' sleep.
I have had lots of Rest here with my mum in Derbyshire, but a combination of out-of-the-ordinary experiences / stressors have probably contributed to this morning's #ParasympatheticSwing - not least 2 very poor nights' sleep.
August 29, 2026 at 5:23 AM
EliteHRV doing its job and warning me of a potential #PEM symptom crash 🙏
I have had lots of Rest here with my mum in Derbyshire, but a combination of out-of-the-ordinary experiences / stressors have probably contributed to this morning's #ParasympatheticSwing - not least 2 very poor nights' sleep.
I have had lots of Rest here with my mum in Derbyshire, but a combination of out-of-the-ordinary experiences / stressors have probably contributed to this morning's #ParasympatheticSwing - not least 2 very poor nights' sleep.
Monday morning at 5am; awake & ready for the working week🙏
But a fun-packed Saturday is leading to a delayed response...
Classic #ParasympatheticSwing going on
#EliteHRV and #KubiosHRV are both showing very low Resting HR and very high RMSSD.
Whilst Kubios therefore suggests '100% Readiness'...
But a fun-packed Saturday is leading to a delayed response...
Classic #ParasympatheticSwing going on
#EliteHRV and #KubiosHRV are both showing very low Resting HR and very high RMSSD.
Whilst Kubios therefore suggests '100% Readiness'...
March 16, 2026 at 5:30 AM
Monday morning at 5am; awake & ready for the working week🙏
But a fun-packed Saturday is leading to a delayed response...
Classic #ParasympatheticSwing going on
#EliteHRV and #KubiosHRV are both showing very low Resting HR and very high RMSSD.
Whilst Kubios therefore suggests '100% Readiness'...
But a fun-packed Saturday is leading to a delayed response...
Classic #ParasympatheticSwing going on
#EliteHRV and #KubiosHRV are both showing very low Resting HR and very high RMSSD.
Whilst Kubios therefore suggests '100% Readiness'...
5pm on Monday of the half-term break. Got some 'holiday marking' cleared 👍
Sign of a slight #ParasympatheticSwing on waking this morning, so I've pretty-much rested all day, apart from 10 minutes of pruning in the garden 😊
Below ONE #VisibleHealth pacepoint used so far today!
#Pacing #LongCovid
Sign of a slight #ParasympatheticSwing on waking this morning, so I've pretty-much rested all day, apart from 10 minutes of pruning in the garden 😊
Below ONE #VisibleHealth pacepoint used so far today!
#Pacing #LongCovid
February 16, 2026 at 5:06 PM
5pm on Monday of the half-term break. Got some 'holiday marking' cleared 👍
Sign of a slight #ParasympatheticSwing on waking this morning, so I've pretty-much rested all day, apart from 10 minutes of pruning in the garden 😊
Below ONE #VisibleHealth pacepoint used so far today!
#Pacing #LongCovid
Sign of a slight #ParasympatheticSwing on waking this morning, so I've pretty-much rested all day, apart from 10 minutes of pruning in the garden 😊
Below ONE #VisibleHealth pacepoint used so far today!
#Pacing #LongCovid
...the #EliteHRV app shows a hint of #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
In my experience, my heartrate will be lower than usual today, 'enticing me' to overexert.
Looking forward to an easy day; I'll certainly be active - but I'll take care to Pace myself, even if it feels unnecessary 🙏
In my experience, my heartrate will be lower than usual today, 'enticing me' to overexert.
Looking forward to an easy day; I'll certainly be active - but I'll take care to Pace myself, even if it feels unnecessary 🙏
November 15, 2025 at 7:04 AM
...the #EliteHRV app shows a hint of #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
In my experience, my heartrate will be lower than usual today, 'enticing me' to overexert.
Looking forward to an easy day; I'll certainly be active - but I'll take care to Pace myself, even if it feels unnecessary 🙏
In my experience, my heartrate will be lower than usual today, 'enticing me' to overexert.
Looking forward to an easy day; I'll certainly be active - but I'll take care to Pace myself, even if it feels unnecessary 🙏
Interesting! Today I'm experiencing another #ParasympatheticSwing...
With #LongCovid and the risk of my #PEM symptoms returning, when I wake up feeling like I have all the energy in the World...
...I often notice a precursory #ParasympatheticSwing
Woke up at 5am feeling SO Ready. The #KubiosHRV app noticed my jump in HRV (Heartrate Variability) 👇
...I often notice a precursory #ParasympatheticSwing
Woke up at 5am feeling SO Ready. The #KubiosHRV app noticed my jump in HRV (Heartrate Variability) 👇
January 2, 2026 at 6:40 AM
Interesting! Today I'm experiencing another #ParasympatheticSwing...
...means that I run a real risk of Overexertion.
You see, when in a #ParasympatheticSwing (albeit a mild one 👇) can trick me into pushing too much, resulting in the 'crashes' and Post-Exertional-Malaise (PEM) associated with my #LongCovid...
You see, when in a #ParasympatheticSwing (albeit a mild one 👇) can trick me into pushing too much, resulting in the 'crashes' and Post-Exertional-Malaise (PEM) associated with my #LongCovid...
April 16, 2026 at 3:46 AM
...means that I run a real risk of Overexertion.
You see, when in a #ParasympatheticSwing (albeit a mild one 👇) can trick me into pushing too much, resulting in the 'crashes' and Post-Exertional-Malaise (PEM) associated with my #LongCovid...
You see, when in a #ParasympatheticSwing (albeit a mild one 👇) can trick me into pushing too much, resulting in the 'crashes' and Post-Exertional-Malaise (PEM) associated with my #LongCovid...
The Post-Exertional-Malaise #PEM that I am now susceptible to does not happen the day after overexertion...
But a clear #ParasympatheticSwing gives me all of the warning needed to take things especially easy today 👇
#EliteHRV and #visible_health both note an elevated HRV this morning 🙏
But a clear #ParasympatheticSwing gives me all of the warning needed to take things especially easy today 👇
#EliteHRV and #visible_health both note an elevated HRV this morning 🙏
May 23, 2026 at 6:38 AM
The Post-Exertional-Malaise #PEM that I am now susceptible to does not happen the day after overexertion...
But a clear #ParasympatheticSwing gives me all of the warning needed to take things especially easy today 👇
#EliteHRV and #visible_health both note an elevated HRV this morning 🙏
But a clear #ParasympatheticSwing gives me all of the warning needed to take things especially easy today 👇
#EliteHRV and #visible_health both note an elevated HRV this morning 🙏
EliteHRV is showing this high Parasympathetic Activity, suggesting that my body is in a deep state of relaxation - Well, I have been recovering from a dental infection & resting even more than usual 🤔
Or is this a #ParasympatheticSwing from yesterday's walk (overexertion)?
Or is this a #ParasympatheticSwing from yesterday's walk (overexertion)?
March 8, 2026 at 6:52 AM
EliteHRV is showing this high Parasympathetic Activity, suggesting that my body is in a deep state of relaxation - Well, I have been recovering from a dental infection & resting even more than usual 🤔
Or is this a #ParasympatheticSwing from yesterday's walk (overexertion)?
Or is this a #ParasympatheticSwing from yesterday's walk (overexertion)?
Feeling AMAZING - It must be a #ParasympatheticSwing morning 😆
Yes indeed:
The #KubiosHRV app is using my very high RMSSD value to report a High (87%) Readiness for the day ahead...
Yes indeed:
The #KubiosHRV app is using my very high RMSSD value to report a High (87%) Readiness for the day ahead...
January 2, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Feeling AMAZING - It must be a #ParasympatheticSwing morning 😆
Yes indeed:
The #KubiosHRV app is using my very high RMSSD value to report a High (87%) Readiness for the day ahead...
Yes indeed:
The #KubiosHRV app is using my very high RMSSD value to report a High (87%) Readiness for the day ahead...
I felt so tired that I went to bed really early on Friday evening; I'm in a *textbook* #ParasympatheticSwing.
1. Wednesday (& Thursday) overexertion - See #VisibleHealth PacePoints graph below 👇
2. HRV elevated, Resting HR very low ( #EliteHRV and #VisibleHealth apps agree) 👇
1. Wednesday (& Thursday) overexertion - See #VisibleHealth PacePoints graph below 👇
2. HRV elevated, Resting HR very low ( #EliteHRV and #VisibleHealth apps agree) 👇
November 8, 2025 at 4:30 AM
I felt so tired that I went to bed really early on Friday evening; I'm in a *textbook* #ParasympatheticSwing.
1. Wednesday (& Thursday) overexertion - See #VisibleHealth PacePoints graph below 👇
2. HRV elevated, Resting HR very low ( #EliteHRV and #VisibleHealth apps agree) 👇
1. Wednesday (& Thursday) overexertion - See #VisibleHealth PacePoints graph below 👇
2. HRV elevated, Resting HR very low ( #EliteHRV and #VisibleHealth apps agree) 👇
Glorious Sunshine up here in Malham ☀️
I'm still resisting the urge to get out too early 🙏
#Pacing well so far, although at 6am I was in a slight #ParasympatheticSwing ('Rest & Recover') - probably due to yesterday evening's walk to Malham Cove 🤔
Had more bed-rest and now I'm RESET 🙏
#LongCovid
I'm still resisting the urge to get out too early 🙏
#Pacing well so far, although at 6am I was in a slight #ParasympatheticSwing ('Rest & Recover') - probably due to yesterday evening's walk to Malham Cove 🤔
Had more bed-rest and now I'm RESET 🙏
#LongCovid
April 13, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Glorious Sunshine up here in Malham ☀️
I'm still resisting the urge to get out too early 🙏
#Pacing well so far, although at 6am I was in a slight #ParasympatheticSwing ('Rest & Recover') - probably due to yesterday evening's walk to Malham Cove 🤔
Had more bed-rest and now I'm RESET 🙏
#LongCovid
I'm still resisting the urge to get out too early 🙏
#Pacing well so far, although at 6am I was in a slight #ParasympatheticSwing ('Rest & Recover') - probably due to yesterday evening's walk to Malham Cove 🤔
Had more bed-rest and now I'm RESET 🙏
#LongCovid
I did the right thing yesterday, focusing on Resting as much as possible and resisting the urge to go to the gym 🙏
This #ParasympatheticSwing was very much expected and I need to hold back on physical activity this morning, as my body feels STRONG and raring to go!
This #ParasympatheticSwing was very much expected and I need to hold back on physical activity this morning, as my body feels STRONG and raring to go!
September 9, 2026 at 5:43 AM
I did the right thing yesterday, focusing on Resting as much as possible and resisting the urge to go to the gym 🙏
This #ParasympatheticSwing was very much expected and I need to hold back on physical activity this morning, as my body feels STRONG and raring to go!
This #ParasympatheticSwing was very much expected and I need to hold back on physical activity this morning, as my body feels STRONG and raring to go!
Sure enough, I pushed SLIGHTLY too much as I explored the neighbourhood here in Kingswear on Sunday evening...
But my three HRV apps are doing their thing and WARNING me, before I descend into a #PEM crash 🙏
The #ParasympatheticSwing is my friend; I will explain how...
#LongCovid
But my three HRV apps are doing their thing and WARNING me, before I descend into a #PEM crash 🙏
The #ParasympatheticSwing is my friend; I will explain how...
#LongCovid
August 10, 2026 at 4:23 AM
Sure enough, I pushed SLIGHTLY too much as I explored the neighbourhood here in Kingswear on Sunday evening...
But my three HRV apps are doing their thing and WARNING me, before I descend into a #PEM crash 🙏
The #ParasympatheticSwing is my friend; I will explain how...
#LongCovid
But my three HRV apps are doing their thing and WARNING me, before I descend into a #PEM crash 🙏
The #ParasympatheticSwing is my friend; I will explain how...
#LongCovid
Starting to think that I can better-identify a #ParasympatheticSwing 🤔
It's Saturday morning, after a very busy working week, when I've had to REST *HARD* to keep within my various 'Energy Envelopes' and THIS 👇 seems to be a noticeable pattern...
Woke up early, FULL of energy
It's Saturday morning, after a very busy working week, when I've had to REST *HARD* to keep within my various 'Energy Envelopes' and THIS 👇 seems to be a noticeable pattern...
Woke up early, FULL of energy
a purple stuffed animal holding a stick with the word lets in white letters
Alt: a purple stuffed animal holding a stick with the words Let's Do This in white letters
media.tenor.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Starting to think that I can better-identify a #ParasympatheticSwing 🤔
It's Saturday morning, after a very busy working week, when I've had to REST *HARD* to keep within my various 'Energy Envelopes' and THIS 👇 seems to be a noticeable pattern...
Woke up early, FULL of energy
It's Saturday morning, after a very busy working week, when I've had to REST *HARD* to keep within my various 'Energy Envelopes' and THIS 👇 seems to be a noticeable pattern...
Woke up early, FULL of energy
...This morning I woke up with signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing; this happens after over-exertion.
[Continues...]
[Continues...]
February 15, 2026 at 9:51 AM
...This morning I woke up with signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing; this happens after over-exertion.
[Continues...]
[Continues...]
2. Experience tells me that when I feel this energised, my body LETS ME walk fast and far; I feel Normal again! But this is dangerous, because a #ParasympatheticSwing precedes a #PEM crash. Sadly #VisibleHealth misses them: whilst noting a rise in HRV and a drop in Resting HR it says I'm STABLE!
August 10, 2026 at 4:34 AM
2. Experience tells me that when I feel this energised, my body LETS ME walk fast and far; I feel Normal again! But this is dangerous, because a #ParasympatheticSwing precedes a #PEM crash. Sadly #VisibleHealth misses them: whilst noting a rise in HRV and a drop in Resting HR it says I'm STABLE!
...And now it's Sunday.
Three days after we toured much of Devon by train, ate like Kings and strolled around a little too much in the oppressive #UKHeatwave...
And so I enter a Strong #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
[EliteHRV]
Three days after we toured much of Devon by train, ate like Kings and strolled around a little too much in the oppressive #UKHeatwave...
And so I enter a Strong #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
[EliteHRV]
May 31, 2026 at 6:49 AM
...And now it's Sunday.
Three days after we toured much of Devon by train, ate like Kings and strolled around a little too much in the oppressive #UKHeatwave...
And so I enter a Strong #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
[EliteHRV]
Three days after we toured much of Devon by train, ate like Kings and strolled around a little too much in the oppressive #UKHeatwave...
And so I enter a Strong #ParasympatheticSwing 👇
[EliteHRV]
Careful #pacing on my Tuesday-off-work, followed by a good night's sleep, has staved-off another potemtial #ParasympatheticSwing 🙏
Body seems RESET, STABLE, BALANCED and READY for a busy day ahead #teaching 😊
#SymptomManagement #LongCovid #Dysautonomia #PEM
Body seems RESET, STABLE, BALANCED and READY for a busy day ahead #teaching 😊
#SymptomManagement #LongCovid #Dysautonomia #PEM
September 23, 2026 at 5:52 AM
Careful #pacing on my Tuesday-off-work, followed by a good night's sleep, has staved-off another potemtial #ParasympatheticSwing 🙏
Body seems RESET, STABLE, BALANCED and READY for a busy day ahead #teaching 😊
#SymptomManagement #LongCovid #Dysautonomia #PEM
Body seems RESET, STABLE, BALANCED and READY for a busy day ahead #teaching 😊
#SymptomManagement #LongCovid #Dysautonomia #PEM
I have SO MANY tactics! And I'm going to try to use them all this morning!
This has become like a game, I suppose 🤔
#Pacing to avoid a #ParasympatheticSwing leading to a debilitating #PEM crash 🙏
This has become like a game, I suppose 🤔
#Pacing to avoid a #ParasympatheticSwing leading to a debilitating #PEM crash 🙏
September 9, 2026 at 6:07 AM
I have SO MANY tactics! And I'm going to try to use them all this morning!
This has become like a game, I suppose 🤔
#Pacing to avoid a #ParasympatheticSwing leading to a debilitating #PEM crash 🙏
This has become like a game, I suppose 🤔
#Pacing to avoid a #ParasympatheticSwing leading to a debilitating #PEM crash 🙏
Saturday morning: Woke up naturally before my early alarm for our journey home to the UK.
Feeling amazing and well-rested, despite a shorter-than-usual sleep: adrenaline rush!
My three #HRV-based apps support one another in identifying early signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing...
Feeling amazing and well-rested, despite a shorter-than-usual sleep: adrenaline rush!
My three #HRV-based apps support one another in identifying early signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing...
February 21, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Saturday morning: Woke up naturally before my early alarm for our journey home to the UK.
Feeling amazing and well-rested, despite a shorter-than-usual sleep: adrenaline rush!
My three #HRV-based apps support one another in identifying early signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing...
Feeling amazing and well-rested, despite a shorter-than-usual sleep: adrenaline rush!
My three #HRV-based apps support one another in identifying early signs of a #ParasympatheticSwing...
My fortnightly half-day Wednesday at work
'Early Warning System' suggesting that I'll hardly use any #Visible_health PacePoints this morning, as my HR will probably stay low. Overexertion is a real threat during these #ParasympatheticSwing s
Visible Health says 'Stable'...
'Early Warning System' suggesting that I'll hardly use any #Visible_health PacePoints this morning, as my HR will probably stay low. Overexertion is a real threat during these #ParasympatheticSwing s
Visible Health says 'Stable'...
December 3, 2025 at 7:25 AM
My fortnightly half-day Wednesday at work
'Early Warning System' suggesting that I'll hardly use any #Visible_health PacePoints this morning, as my HR will probably stay low. Overexertion is a real threat during these #ParasympatheticSwing s
Visible Health says 'Stable'...
'Early Warning System' suggesting that I'll hardly use any #Visible_health PacePoints this morning, as my HR will probably stay low. Overexertion is a real threat during these #ParasympatheticSwing s
Visible Health says 'Stable'...
Exactly a year since starting to use the #EliteHRV app each and every morning as an additional Heartrate Variability 'check-in.'
It's FREE and it has saved me from #PEM crashes time and time again by clearly signposting each #ParasympatheticSwing post-exertion...
It's FREE and it has saved me from #PEM crashes time and time again by clearly signposting each #ParasympatheticSwing post-exertion...
May 24, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Exactly a year since starting to use the #EliteHRV app each and every morning as an additional Heartrate Variability 'check-in.'
It's FREE and it has saved me from #PEM crashes time and time again by clearly signposting each #ParasympatheticSwing post-exertion...
It's FREE and it has saved me from #PEM crashes time and time again by clearly signposting each #ParasympatheticSwing post-exertion...