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Posted by: mattacuk Jan 26 2008, 02:53 PM

I thought this would be a really interesting discussion Ok so right now I just have a common cold , what women call "man flu" in the UK

When I get man flu I really find it hard to concentrate on anything. Alot if not all of my practice routine includes speed picking and good timeing and I totally loose my "mojo" when it comes to practicing when sick. Im typically very strict on myself with regards to correct practice and keeping to my routine.

So I would like to know if you guys and gals practice to the same standard when your ill ? or do you take a few days out to rest and recover?

thanks !!

Posted by: Duncan Jan 26 2008, 03:05 PM

When my appendix thought it would be a good idea to explode I had to be in hospital for two weeks. For most of that time I couldn't really stand up. My Dad bought my acoustic guitar after the operation, and it was probably the only thing that got me through the two worst weeks of my life.

So maybe if you have an acoustic, just relax and play some classics on that?

Posted by: Bogdan Jan 26 2008, 03:09 PM

I don't like playing when I'm sick..If often gets me even worse after the practice session..I just take it easy and try to recover as fast as possible..

Posted by: timono Jan 26 2008, 03:13 PM

when i'm sick, I always try to play but because i can't concetrate i always get annoyed so i stop pretty quick after starting... and go back to bed

Posted by: DeepRoots Jan 26 2008, 03:13 PM

Good luck getting better Matt! I've been ill this past week, i reccomend picking up a bottle of night nurse, one dose before bed put me away for about 12 hours...that was an awesome sleep and i felt magic by the morning. I didnt practise at all whe i was sick tho

Posted by: Bluefinger Jan 26 2008, 03:19 PM

I do only two things when a flu hit me. Watching TV or sleeping. That's it. Hope that you recover soon.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jan 26 2008, 03:22 PM

Don't be too hard on yourself Matt, drop the level down a lot and just take it easy. You may even find that after coming back to practicing after a week of little or no practice that you are a little better - gives thing time to click in your brain when you aren;t assulting it every day with practice. I often notice this after returning form business trips.

And of course, get well soon mate!

Posted by: Pavel Jan 26 2008, 03:25 PM

When you are sick - don't over-do it with practicing. Make it 1 hour if you can pull it off. If not - nothing bad will happen. It's better to relax and have a good sleep because that will make you heal much faster When you are back to normal hit it into overdrive and catch up with what you lost and that's it

Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Jan 26 2008, 03:59 PM

Healthy man has many wishes - sick man has only one

Posted by: mattacuk Jan 26 2008, 04:09 PM

Wow guys some great responses here. Some especially good advices from each of you Ok I have decided to put it down just for a few days and sleep it off !! and I think maybe eat lots of choclate and get fat

Posted by: Duncan Jan 26 2008, 04:09 PM

If I'm sick I don't practise as near as hard as I would when I'm well. Infact I probably don't practise at all. I just play my acoustic.

Posted by: FretDancer69 Jan 26 2008, 05:10 PM

yeah same here, my playing is horrible when sick, so i just dont play and study theory

Posted by: Muris Jan 27 2008, 12:35 AM

My case is a bit odd.
I usually get wet(sweaty) after real and hard playing,practicing or gig,doesn't matter.
So when I'm sick,cold,flu,high body temperature etc
I keep on practicing until I'm all wet cause it lowers body temperature.
Then I get quick shover and back to bed.
Not sure if this routine work for everyone but give it a shot Matt.

And wish you fast recovery tho!!

Posted by: skennington Jan 27 2008, 12:46 AM

I would love to have me a night nurse! I can only Imagine whats in that stuff

Back to point, Do just that Matt. Take it easy for a few days. A little rest ain't ever hurt nobody.

Posted by: Hisham Jan 27 2008, 12:54 AM

i think the its better to take a rest then turn to your practice other wise it depend on how long you are sick

Posted by: Fran Jan 27 2008, 08:13 PM

Eating lots of chocolate is always a good idea!

If I were you I would just play a little bit every day, but just for fun, playing things or improvising some scales you enjoy, but nothing too demanding, because when you are ill the body has its habilities really diminished... and you might end up getting angry if you push yourself as if you were OK.

Posted by: erik Jan 27 2008, 08:25 PM

When I'm sick I pretty much watch TV all day.. Why play guitar if it makes you feel bad?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 27 2008, 10:23 PM

I don't practice at all when i'am it just makes me worse i still have to work regardless so practicing goes out the window have not had a day off ill in 6 years thats the problem with being self employed
hope your better soon


(PS I you have proper flu u cant even get out of bed let alone play guitar )

Posted by: blindwillie Jan 28 2008, 09:43 AM

I liked that one!

Posted by: mattacuk Jan 28 2008, 12:16 PM

Ahhh thats just what Im doing today I definatly think it does the brain good to have a few days to process what its learnt for sure This morning I have watch Jerry Springer - what an awful show. And right now Mythbusters on Discovery - now that is a cool show

Posted by: Rated Htr Jan 28 2008, 12:59 PM

Try to do something, but don't exagerate...When I get sick, I rather try to study theory, or do some practise than to waste time in bed, unless I'm unable to do otherwise...

Posted by: rokchik Jan 28 2008, 01:52 PM

With the fluctuation in temperature where I live and the fact that I deal with the public at work I tend to get sick a lot. Mostly just common colds but usually once a year I get the flu really bad. With the flu I can't get out of bed let alone practice, so it's just sleep, tons of liquids, chicken soup and TV until I feel better. If it's a cold, well, I don't let them get me down. I'll take some meds, drink lots of green tea, chicken soup is a must, and it's business as usual but I'll try to get lots of sleep though.

Matt I hope you feel better soon and I'd say just listen to your body. If you think you can play then play but don't wear yourself out. Get plenty of rest and eat lots of chicken soup, best thing when your sick

rok