Is It Better to Rest or Exercise Gently When You’re Sick?
One of my clients was recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease and asked me if she should come in to work out or not. It’s a great question and one that doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer.
When you’re feeling sick, it’s important to allow your body to rest and recover. If you do too much too soon, you’re likely to feel worse rather than better.
On the flip-side however, there comes a time in your recovery where movement is going to help expedite your recovery. So how do you know when that is?
Here are some General Guidelines
Listen to your body: This is the most important guideline!
We’re all different and when we pay attention, our bodies do an exceptional job of telling us what we need. We just have to listen. For example,
If you have a fever, severe fatigue, body aches, or a contagious illness, it's best to rest and allow your body to heal. Exercising when you're sick can put additional strain on your immune system and delay your recovery.
Light exercise can be helpful: Once you start to feel a little bit better, meaning you no longer experience the symptoms described above, engaging in light to moderate exercise can actually help to boost your immune system.
Stretching, walking and light yoga can all be beneficial to help with blood circulation, improve your mood and even relieve congestion, as long as you don’t overdo it — listen to your body.
Gradually increase the amount and intensity of your movements: This may sound like common sense but it’s really important to start out with gentle movements before adding in more intense weight lifting or cardio as you recover.
The better you start to feel, the more you’ll be able to do. If you do too much too soon however, you risk compromising your immune system — listen to your body!
Hydrate and Eat Well: When we get sick, there are all sorts of medications and supplements available to “cure” us, and sometimes a pain-reliever is a great way to help us to get more rest that we really need.
Much of the time however, our bodies really need healthy, nutrient-rich foods and lost of fluids. Drinking enough water, herbal tea, and clear broths can ensure you don’t become dehydrated, which can worsen your symptoms.
Consult your doctor if you’re not sure: These are general guidelines that work for many people. If you have any questions about what’s best for you, always check in with your doctor.
Finally, it’s important to remember that rest is essential when you’re sick, even when we feel like there’s something more important the “has to get done”.
When we don’t stop, our bodies will inevitably make sure we do by making us sicker, so we are forced to rest!
Exercise while you’re healthy and eat well regularly to minimize your chances of getting sick, but be kind to your body when it needs the break.
