When you hear the word ‘malaise’, what comes to mind? A French person feeling unwell and lethargic perhaps? (Maybe I’m the only one who thinks that). Well, when added after “post-exertional“, it becomes an entirely different ball game altogether. It’s like a dark cloud hovering over your head ready to rain on your entire parade.

Post exertional malaise (PEM) is one of those experiences that unless you’ve gone through yourself; you’ll never completely understand how soul-sucking it can be. But if I had to put words around it(and of course, using my well-researched knowledge) here are some ways as accurately as possible:

The Buildup

The build-up phrase refers to everything going downhill for you before PEM kicks in full force.

When someone living with a condition that causes PEM has an upcoming event or plan (or even just thinking about planning), they start building up anticipation and prepare beforehand by taking all necessary steps needed to make sure their body doesn’t crash during or after the task because heaven knows PEM isn’t worth what sometimes triggers it.

Fatigue and Brain Fog

(They go way back! – Phew!)

Whether it’s 5 minutes or five hours before any activity requiring energy-intensive work takes place, most people experience extreme fatigue and brain fog. ‘Brain fog’, also known as “fibro-fog” might sound funny and harmless but don’t let this name fool you- IT IS DEADLY!

This phenomenon often includes symptoms such as mental confusion: thinking slower than usual, difficulty remembering things like talking about something specific with friends while texting then forget bits of the conversation midway despite trying so hard to keep track mentally.

The Peak Body Crash

And boom! Here we go folks:

PEM varies from person-to-person, but sudden extreme exhaustion is the hallmark.

Muscle aches and Headaches

You might feel as though you are carrying your entire body weight on your shoulders when PEM is triggered. Every little movement feels like an enormous task. The pain levels skyrocket, and muscle soreness kicks in that one could mistake it for an after-workout effect. Similarly, headaches/pressure behind eyes can become unbearable – Please get outta my head!!

Sleep Disturbance

Think insomnia, seasoned with nightmares or vivid dreams on nights of PEM-precipitated events; almost neither adequate rest nor sleep comfort from fatigue anymore! Wouldn’t wish this feeling upon anyone!

### Sensory Overload

Sensory overload sensation is another hallmark trait of post-exertional malaise syndrome—having hypersensitivity to sound(Imagine every conversation happening around you/I), light (that’s me all day!), touch(feels much like standing too close while waiting in line)Smells/odors causes nausea-like shits — An entirely overwhelming experience overall.

Post-Crash Recovery Session:

(Not that simple as hitting the snooze button)

This phase encompasses everything required to nurse yourself back into shape physically and emotionally.

Resting Mandatorily

The only right way to deal with a crash episode owing to PEM- take time off work/school/hanging sessions and just REST rest rest ~and some more resting~ its importance during recovery cannot be expressed any further because sometimes just lying there still leads towards different possibilities of rejuvenating faster again!

Therefore consider taking naps/disconnecting from phones(in fact best not checking them at all)or electronic devices altogether possible steps needed must be taken seriously since these measures would help quicken up healing processes health-wise accurate remedies adhered-to without personally altered slight preconceptions remain idealized for speedy recoveries as well.

Table: Positive Activities Person Can Undertake During Crash

Eating Healthy Diet- Easy to Digest Foods & Nutrient-rich diets

Some meals can enable faster recoveries after crash-type experiences prompted by post-exertional malaise syndrome – Eating regular only but healthy foods like those mentioned below:

1. Green leafy vegetables
2. Avocadoes
3. Berries and fruits
4. Oatmeal

5. Grilled lean meats or fish
   Always Opt-out these unhealthy diet options;

6. Refined sugars

7. Red Meats( Beef included)
8. Junk food

Also, you should make sure drinking lots and lots, more ‘water,’ please since staying hydrated is key!

Finally Prognosis,

Of course, everyone wants to get better no matter how fresh they must feel(Putting aside deadlines/work schedules already set).

Find remedies that work best when dealing with crashes experienced via much-needed precautions/prophylaxis efforts staked by oneself such as paying attention very closely during the build-up stage pretty beneficial.

But to be frank here we don’t know a definite cure yet for post-exertional malaise syndrome itself anyway; right now all we can do is manage symptoms effectively according to hospital-administered supplements/sedatives too so as always prevention remains king!