Dealing with being sick

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 · Mike Davis

Good morning!

As we move to the middle of the week, I am dealing with a foggy head. Since my run on Saturday, I have either had a cold or it’s time to admit I may have allergies! Kathy believes it’s the later as she has had the same symptoms for two weeks. I am not so sure. I have been wiped out all week and my sinuses have been running non-stop. Apparently, tree pollen is at really high levels because of the warm winter we North Carolinians had (sigh) so that may be the culprit. Suffice it to say, I have not had a great start to the week. No working out and not much activity at all.

One of the regular questions that I see a lot of: “Should I work out or run when I have a cold or am recovering?” The adage that we can sweat the germs out of our system is not a scientific based fact and probably just wishful thinking. Germs and viruses move through our bodies by route of our blood and sweat does not extract the virus from our blood. In fact, the healing process may very well be stalled if our body is diverting the nutrients that are needed to combat the virus, to support our workout. So, the simple answer is: “let your body heal first.” Of course, there is a point when recovery is obvious and then moderation is the best strategy. Trying to be active while your internal system is doing what it is intended to do, will most likely stretch out the period of time it takes to get back to full recovery. When people talk of a nagging cold, chances are they have not allowed their system the downtime needed to heal itself. I am not a doctor, but for me, sleep is the best medicine.

I have learned the hard way about trying to speed up the healing process, only to drag it out. I feel like I am on the upswing of my recovery but, until my energy level comes back, that tells me, my body is not ready for exerting. Tomorrow makes more sense, but that is also hopeful thinking. I will know better when I wake up feeling rested or zapped of energy again. At the very least, I may take a walk this afternoon after my classes and enjoy the fresh air.

Last night I made some progress as I actually stayed up till 9:30, after having shut my eyes for the night on Monday night at 8:10! I am not a night person, but 8:10 was crazy and man did I try to hang in until 8:30!

So, this morning’s chat was pretty lame, but hopefully you got something out of the message. We all want to “overcome and get it done”but, sometimes we have to accept that rest is best!

Have a great day and get plenty of vitamin C!

God Bless!

Mike