For the past five years or so, when I get sick with flu-like symptoms, it’s what I now call “phantom sick”. It happens when I am run down and sleep-deprived. Often it happens in conjunction with significant physical activity – working out (or doing hard work TO work out) when I don’t get enough recovery time. Jet lag messes up my sleep times and I go-go when I travel and don’t get enough sleep.
The result? My body can suck up some of the “abuse”, but then it sends me a strong signal – “Slow down buddy boy!”. And just to make sure I am listening, it gives me flu-like symptoms to make me feel sick.
When I get a good night’s sleep or two, the symptoms are gone. I didn’t really have the flu, I was just worn out.
I have to listen to my body. And knowing what I know, I have to schedule recovery time after trips, trips to different time zones, and hard physical work.
“Illness is the opposite of freedom. It makes everything impossible. You lose so many things when you are ill.” – Francoise Sagan
Anybody else get distress signals like this when they are wiped out?
Definitely, lack of sleep = getting a cold
So true our body let’s us know when it’s time to slow down.
Absolutely! Also after surgeries, injuries, or the loss of a loved one. And, if you haven’t learned to listen to your body , learned to engage in what re-charges your batteries & inspires you, and when to say, “NO”! I’m grateful for good health. The next birthday is a big one! 65! I’m grateful for all the innumerable blessings of God, my family, good friends, and the Amazing Team Rainy Day! I’m also thankful to be finally learning work/life balance and for the loyal and faithful people I can trust and depend on! I am most grateful however for God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and Hope.
Absolutely! Also after surgeries, injuries, or the loss of a loved one. And, if you haven’t learned to listen to your body , learned to engage in what re-charges your batteries & inspires you, and when to say, “NO”! I’m grateful for good health. The next birthday is a big one! 65! I’m grateful for all the innumerable blessings of God, my family, good friends, and the Amazing Team Rainy Day! I’m also thankful to be finally learning work/life balance and for the loyal and faithful people I can trust and depend on! I am most grateful however for God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and Hope.
Yes I do. I’m over 70 yo, still work as a carpenter AND ride motorcycles, including dirt bikes (Not racing like you.) and my body will demand rest just like that. A couple of days rest and I am back at it. Could it be age? Naaaaaa………… 😉
Yessir, I get the same thing. At 51 I work harder than ever and play harder too, so I need to get 8 hrs of sleep. I can make it on 7 but find myself in bed at 9 to get up at 5 am these days. I also listen when it comes to going to the gym. If the batteries are really drained when I get up, I might decide to wait a day and not push it. There’s a fine line between discipline and just beating yourself up. Learn to pay attention ??
Doc Holladay
You are so right Larry. I unplug and recharge and the psydo illness just flies away.
Yes ,I’m 63 and have experienced the exact same feelings that you’ve described. I always thought it was me knowing when I was getting sick and being able to advert it by taking care of my body before the illness took total control.
I get debilitating headaches when I’m ‘wiped out’, and the WORST part is what I refer to as ‘DEPLETION’ – when I just don’t feel like there’s ANYTHING left in the tank, and nowhere to get a refill – at least not quickly…
Sleep deprivation, foolish attempts at multi-tasking, and loss of prioritization due to ‘everything being an emergency or priority one’ seem to send me down that rabbit hole most often.
As you refer to, Larry, the ONLY thing that brings me back from that place is deep, restful sleep – followed by fresh air and focus on something renewing, vice draining, in my personal or professional life.
Thanks for always sharing the REAL you, Larry!
Yes Sir, indeed. Have learned the same lesson.
Used to almost expect it coming every 3-4 months.
Each new decade was a new discovery on cutting back my physical activity.
Finally 2 years ago at 63 I just had to get determined to get a handle on myself. That I could no longer just keep pushing the envelope.
I enjoy your newsletters for lessons learned, wisdom, confirmation.
The exact same things happens to me. My body always sends the early warning signs and when I ignore them or push through them I do so at my peril. My sweet spot is 8 hours of sleep. Not 7.5 but 8. Enough nights under 8 hours end up stacking up and draining me. I think was true even when I was younger but, I was too “driven” to pay attention and wondered why I was dragging my butt sometimes.
Thanks for sharing. Also, lack of sleep = lack of focus. Not good.
I feel the exact same thing whenever I deviate from my regular diet/healthy eating habit.
Absolutely! I get headaches, think slower and am much less upbeat about work when I’m sleep deprived. Once well rested I can conquer the world with a smile!
I’ve gone though that after every desert race. Always schedule recovery time.
Indeed I do. One of my challenges since joining KRS and GS has been scheduling trainings with dealers in different time zones. Sometimes in the middle of the day a 15 min closing of the eyes does the body and mind good.