Episode 103. Healing ME/CFS through Mind-Body Tools with Chris Sykes-Popham

Описание: Do you feel like you've gone from high-achiever to barely able to leave the couch—and you're wondering if you'll ever get your life back?

Maybe you used to be the person who could do it all. The one who trained hard, worked hard, never slowed down. And now you can't walk around the block without wondering if you'll make it home. Maybe you've done every test, tried every diet, and still no one can tell you what's actually wrong.

If this sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

Chris Sykes-Popham went from Royal Marines commando, skier, skydiver, and adventure seeker to completely housebound with ME/CFS. He was sleeping on cold bathroom floors just to get through a workday. Doctors found nothing. Then he discovered the mind-body approach—and within weeks, he saw significant improvement. Within months, he made a full recovery. Now he's the founder of the FreeMe app, the first app designed specifically for people with ME/CFS and long COVID.

In this episode, Chris and I go deep into what actually moves the needle in ME/CFS recovery. We both share our own healing journeys and the tools that got us off the couch and back into life.

We explore:
Why high-achievers and perfectionists are especially prone to ME/CFS—and how that same drive can sabotage recovery

The difference between temporary stress and chronic nervous system dysregulation

How fear and catastrophizing during crashes keep symptoms stuck—and the simple shift that got Chris to 70-80% capacity almost immediately

Somatic tracking for fatigue: how to be with symptoms through a lens of safety and curiosity instead of panic

The nuance between "allowing" symptoms and giving them too much attention
Why rigid pacing based on fear makes things worse—and what intuitive pacing actually looks like

How food associations and "clean eating" can become their own trap

The role of identity, diagnosis, and what we tell ourselves about our prognosis

Why joy, fulfillment, and meaningful activity are some of the most powerful tools for nervous system healing

Your symptoms aren't a sign that you're broken. They're a signal that your nervous system is stuck in protection mode—and you can change that.

Learn more about Chris and FreeMe: https://freemehealth.com/
Download the FreeMe app: https://freemehealth.com/getapp?sourc...

If you're ready for real support in healing, the Mind-Body Healing Method might be for you. It's a 4-month program where I teach you brain training, nervous system regulation, and how to actually recover—alongside a community of people who truly get it. We're enrolling now for January 2026 with expanded support and extra 1:1 sessions. Special discount available through the end of the year.

Resources from Grace:

Mind-Body Healing Method Program: https://www.elevatetherapywellness.co...

Work with me in therapy or coaching: https://www.elevatetherapywellness.co...

FREE Nervous System Tracking Workbook: https://healwithgrace.mykajabi.com/fr...

Connect with Grace
Connect on Instagram: @heal.with.grace
Check out my website: https://www.elevatetherapywellness.com/