The Bedtime Series | Season 1, Ep 18: The body and the mind
This time’s flu, cold and general weakness of the body, was mind boggling. One of the top 10 worst cases and the first one I had in more than a year (the last time I remember getting a cold was back in the winter of 2019 (Dec 2019 or Jan 2020 in Delhi, right after New Years’ I think). Since then, owing to high levels of hygiene (because of masks, sanitizers and what not), I have been relatively cold-free. I was not aware of the craziness or seriousness of the flu virus that caught me last week until this weekend when I was finally back home. Throughout Saturday and Sunday I just slept, ate a little, slept, ate a little more and slept again. It was such a long and drawn out form of recovery, it took me some time to realise I was well again. Monday morning felt so funny, I took a walk in the park, still not feeling like I was a 100%, but still enjoying the whole feeling of getting my body back, not having a runny nose, irritating headache or queasy stomach. (I was tested before, it wasn’t the Big C, don’t worry).
I realised and keep realising this every now and then — I do take my body and mind for granted. I do not always take out time to take care of both of them or nurture them. It is the stupidest thing I do — neglecting the two most important aspects of my life. But every time I fall sick, I reset, get back on track and think about how I can take care of them. And I would like to think that, over the years, I have managed to get better at taking care of both of them. I do work out a lot more, manage my food intake a lot more and I do feel I am way fitter than before. I realised the fitness part after doing over 2000kms on a two wheeler in a four-day North to South India bike ride. I felt no pain, no soreness and I was ready to rock and roll. Three years ago when a younger me had done a small little 850km ride, he had pains & bruises every where.
Also, I am on a longer fitness path to becoming leaner, stronger, building a tank-like body. Which means, much stronger but not bulkier. I had really bulked up when I was 26–27 years old. Had a much bigger body but I was not necessarily stronger. Yes, there is a difference. And it is also interesting how I feel too. Back then, even though I looked bigger, had a larger chest that could be seen from afar, or arms that were at least 30% bigger than they are now, I could not do half the things I can do now — Running for a longer time, driving/riding better, do planks better, sleep better, stay awake better and many other things. For example, back then if my younger brother was trying to hit me or had me held in one of his funny body holds, I’d be helpless. Now when he is trying to hit me (or is hitting me somehow), or is trying to tackle me, I have to be careful not to use my strength to avoid injuring him. (I hope he does not read this blog).
Anyway, before the abrupt end, moral of the story is — I am in a good place as far as my body and mind go. I can be 10x better, but I am happy I am trying. Also, I don’t want to be too hard on myself either. Hence, taking it slow and steady. I want to be able to finish this marathon well and be happy with the end result. Till then, let’s abruptly keep ending blogs that aren’t half as good as they were when I was less than half as fit as I am now. (Wow, that came out very well).
Cheers!
