Why the Nervous System Matters in Long COVID Recovery

by Andrea Henkel Burke, Katie Brennan

Nov 12, 2025

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Why Aligning the Nervous System is Crucial to Feel Better with a Post-infectious Condition. (written 05/25/2025)

When it comes to Long COVID recovery, most conversations focus on managing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and pain. But there’s a powerful system quietly shaping all of these symptoms: your autonomic nervous system (ANS).

The ANS helps regulate sleep, energy, digestion, immune function, and more—and when it's thrown off after infection, your body can get stuck in a chronic stress response that blocks healing.

So, what’s the good news? With the right support, your nervous system can learn to shift out of survival mode and into the state where real recovery happens. This is a foundational part of our approach at ThriveNinety.

We’ve just added a new, easy-to-read guide to our Resources page to help you understand:
• Why nervous system regulation is so essential for healing
• What science is uncovering about vagus nerve dysfunction in Long COVID
• How small, simple actions can create momentum and support recovery

“Supporting your nervous system isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about evidence-based actions, movements, and Pacing that let you rebuild safety and function”

Head to our Resources or directly to our new info page about the Autonomic nervous system and its Role in Recovery from Long COVID to learn more.

Warmly,
Katie & Andrea

PS: Find out about the Role in Recovery from Long COVID as our latest resource.

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