We All Get Sick Sometimes: How to Keep Going When You Feel Miserable

“Life is too short to be miserable.” – Rita Mae Brown While it would be wonderful if you never got sick, that’s not life. In fact, you can count on having some bouts of illness no matter how healthy you currently are or have been. There are countless opportunities to encounter germs, carried by people who are infected — even if they don’t look sick — or clinging to surfaces you touch. Allergies afflict millions every day, while family contact and heredity account for many more instances of sickness and illness. When you do fall ill, it may be of short duration or a long and drawn-out episode. Either way, you might feel miserable. Here’s some advice on how to keep going when that happens, drawn from personal experience and a keen sense of research on what works and what doesn’t. Keep your perspective. It might seem like this illness or condition will last forever, yet it’s likely more of a barrier in your thoughts than will pan out. A cold or the flu will run its course over a week or two, unless there are complications. A broken leg will eventually heal, given appropriate medical treatment. A chronic disease or condition can be managed with time and discipline. Doing the best that you can to be good to yourself while what’s bothering you now rages on will help speed recovery. In the meantime, take the long view. Envision yourself getting stronger each day and regaining your health and vitality. By seeing a mental image of a healthier you, y...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Habits Happiness Health-related Inspiration & Hope Motivation and Inspiration Self-Help Chronic Pain Cold And Flu Season Common Cold Illness Influenza Self Care self-compassion sickness Source Type: blogs