Eagle-eyed readers of my blog will notice there was no new blog post last week as I was feeling very unwell and had to take a few days off. Fast forward one week and I'm still not feeling too grand and have now been diagnosed with bronchitis, and being asthmatic too, I'm feeling anything but fighting fit at the moment. But, why am I sharing this, you may well wonder?
Well, the reason is new research published in the Daily Mail this week reveals how by having faith in your medication, this positivity increases the chances of it working. So in other words, if you believe what you are taking - be it lemsips, paracetamol, fishermen's friends, alternative remedies or antibiotics - your attitude can directly affect how well, or if at all, those drugs work. And for the cynics out there, a sceptical outlook can cause an ailment to linger according to the study.
As an asthmatic, I definitely agree taking my reliever inhaler when my breathing is not so good, does have a calming effect and I do feel positive that I will be breathing more easily in no time. But, is that because of my positive mindset or the fact it is an excellent treatment for my condition? I'd say that's 30/70. Likewise, when you feel all bunged up with cold, anything that can help minimise the symptoms will be viewed positively. When my symptoms started last week, I'm not ashamed to say my cold remedies (Olbas Oil - thank you) were a godsend in minimising the lifespan of my spirit-zapping cold.
I'm very positive my new medication will improve my condition as it's proved very effective in the past, so I should be feeling much better by next week if this research rings true and do you know what? I wouldn't bet against that outcome.
So, what do you think? Is positive thinking in overcoming feeling ill something to consider or is it all just mumbo jumbo to you?
