Ask The Expert: Long COVID

and prioritise the things you have to do so that you mix activity with rest. Do enjoyable things, not just what you have to do. Spending time outside, in the garden or even sitting by a window, is good for your mental health. Being kind to yourself is key, as is good communication with family and friends. But a lot of the psychological challenge relates to managing physical symptoms effectively.

How can people relieve their physical symptoms?

Sleep is great for healing. Engage in gentle movement. For those with mild brain fog, try puzzles and quizzes.

You might improve but then have a recurrence of symptoms, so have a setback plan. This might involve taking medication as prescribed, heat and ice, a TENS machine or breathing exercises, as well as psychological things such as pacing and relaxation.

What can people do to relax? Visualise walking along a sandy beach, or by relaxing all of your muscles progressively.

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Coping with Long COVID and Other Long Term Health Conditions is available at amzn.to/3hyx6ow

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Max is a hospital doctor, author and columnist. He currently works full time in mental health for the NHS. His new book, The Marvellous Adventure of Being Human, is out now