Mind Over Matter
Hundreds of different viruses can cause something so insidious, irritating and easy to catch, the common cold. I was out and about on Friday feeling fine, enjoying my evening with friends, but by Saturday morning I felt like death warmed over. I decreed… "Shoot me now! Put me out of my misery!" Yes, I’m being a tad dramatic, I know, but I’m sick. I’m entitled.
At this stage of the game, I can deal with the runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and even the most bothersome of symptoms, coughing. I find it hard to tolerate weakness, that lack of energy. My body is saying one thing, and my mind, the complete opposite. Talk about frustration! (There are times when you have to give in – surrender, becoming a responsible participant to your body’s healing, but to a cold, for me… Never!)
It’s true, not much can push a common cold off its annoying course. I do think there are things we can do to improve the outcomes, which can actually boost energy levels rapidly. I spent 24-hours in bed at onset, was religious about rehydration, and consumed more Vitamin C than anyone should. I added zinc and echinacea to the mix.
By Sunday, my energy level increased by 50%, enough to get me outdoors to walk the Stony Run and Jones Falls trails. I couldn’t allow such a beautiful day to go to waste, especially when rain is expected later this week. It was gratifying to be outdoors. The wind was wicked at times, down right cruel, but I was ready, bundled – feeling warm from my head down to my toes.
I had one destination in mind, The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens. I haven’t been there in a while, but saw photos on Facebook of their beautiful orchids and just knew I needed to visit. It might sound psychosomatic, although I believe it to be mind over matter, but that trip is aiding in my ability to heal quicker. I feel better already. (Talk to me later in the week when I relapse.)
I really do believe there is a mind over matter component to illness, and definitely to our quality of recovery. Depending on the circumstances, our first line of defense must always be diet and exercise. We really are what we eat. We must incorporate homeopathic remedies, too. I have and with great success. Know this, we live longer because of drugs, but we must be responsible with their usage.
Sadly, there are too many patients demanding antibiotics for illnesses like cold and flu, and physicians are foolish enough to write them. Many viruses do not cause serious disease and are killed by the body’s immune system, its natural network of defense. Many studies have revealed antibiotics cause more harm than good, but one must be sick enough to need them. As for the common cold, wash your hands to avoid spreading germs.
Here’s to a new week, friends! I’m wishing all good health, and happiness. No matter what ails or challenges you, attempt mind over matter. Thrive! – paerki
At this stage of the game, I can deal with the runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and even the most bothersome of symptoms, coughing. I find it hard to tolerate weakness, that lack of energy. My body is saying one thing, and my mind, the complete opposite. Talk about frustration! (There are times when you have to give in – surrender, becoming a responsible participant to your body’s healing, but to a cold, for me… Never!)
It’s true, not much can push a common cold off its annoying course. I do think there are things we can do to improve the outcomes, which can actually boost energy levels rapidly. I spent 24-hours in bed at onset, was religious about rehydration, and consumed more Vitamin C than anyone should. I added zinc and echinacea to the mix.
By Sunday, my energy level increased by 50%, enough to get me outdoors to walk the Stony Run and Jones Falls trails. I couldn’t allow such a beautiful day to go to waste, especially when rain is expected later this week. It was gratifying to be outdoors. The wind was wicked at times, down right cruel, but I was ready, bundled – feeling warm from my head down to my toes.
I had one destination in mind, The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens. I haven’t been there in a while, but saw photos on Facebook of their beautiful orchids and just knew I needed to visit. It might sound psychosomatic, although I believe it to be mind over matter, but that trip is aiding in my ability to heal quicker. I feel better already. (Talk to me later in the week when I relapse.)
I really do believe there is a mind over matter component to illness, and definitely to our quality of recovery. Depending on the circumstances, our first line of defense must always be diet and exercise. We really are what we eat. We must incorporate homeopathic remedies, too. I have and with great success. Know this, we live longer because of drugs, but we must be responsible with their usage.
Sadly, there are too many patients demanding antibiotics for illnesses like cold and flu, and physicians are foolish enough to write them. Many viruses do not cause serious disease and are killed by the body’s immune system, its natural network of defense. Many studies have revealed antibiotics cause more harm than good, but one must be sick enough to need them. As for the common cold, wash your hands to avoid spreading germs.
Here’s to a new week, friends! I’m wishing all good health, and happiness. No matter what ails or challenges you, attempt mind over matter. Thrive! – paerki
