Why You Should Keep Moving Even When You're Sick: A Personal Recovery Story
We've all been there – feeling under the weather, wanting nothing more than to stay in bed. But as I recently discovered after being sick for several days, complete inactivity might not be the best approach to recovery.
After not exercising for a few days while feeling ill, I noticed my body becoming increasingly stiff. Simple stretches became painful – even the back of my legs, my nails, and my toes hurt. The lack of movement had made everything worse, not better.
The Importance of Movement During Recovery
Despite still feeling symptoms – an aching head, a congested nose – I forced myself to get moving again. And the results were almost immediate. The energy started coming back, and what had been impossible just a day before (sustaining a jog for five minutes) became achievable again.
This experience reinforced an important lesson: our health is fundamental to achieving our goals. When we're not in good health, we simply cannot accomplish what we set out to do.
Start Small, But Start
The key is not to push too hard too fast. You don't need to lift 100 pounds or run at high speeds. Start by lifting just 5 or 10 pounds. Begin with a gentle jog at a comfortable pace.
For those using treadmills, this means understanding your limits. If level 7 is your current maximum speed, don't try to jump to level 10. Work with what your body can handle today, knowing you can increase intensity as your strength returns.
Taking Control of Your Body
One of the most powerful insights from this experience is the importance of mind over matter. It's very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain it. The difference often comes down to control:
- Control your mouth
- Control your belly
- Control your cravings
When your body wants to rest, sometimes you need to force it to move. When you feel like eating unhealthy foods, you need to say no. It's not about punishing yourself – it's about reclaiming control over your health journey.
The Reward of Persistence
The feeling of accomplishment when you push through discomfort is unmatched. As the sweat began to form and the calories burned increased, I could feel my body waking up from its sickness-induced hibernation.
Even a short 20-minute workout can make a significant difference in how you feel. The key is consistency – showing up for yourself even when it's difficult.
Your Health Is Your Wealth
Remember that your physical wellbeing is the foundation upon which all other accomplishments are built. By maintaining regular movement – even during periods of illness or low motivation – you're investing in your most valuable asset: your health.
So the next time you're feeling under the weather, consider a gentle movement session rather than complete rest. Your body might thank you with a speedier recovery.
