It's all too easy for our spirits, in mind and body, to become low when we aren't feeling at our best. We may let ourselves become dejected when we're out of sorts. Getting a card serves to remind us that whilst we may be temporarily out of action, others are thinking of us, and wishing us well.



The power of collective well wishes can do much to make us feel tons better. When a number of people share the same positive 'get well thought' it has a positive effect on the recipient. To be the receiver of such good wishes can only mend us all the quicker.

The benefits of a get well card at these times are two-fold. We may be out of the social loop for a while and missing our friends. Routine social activities may have to be on hold, or readjusted when we're not up to mixing. So a card reminds us that we haven't opted out of action for good - it's just temporary, and those who care for us are hoping we'll soon be up and running again.

Seeing, hearing and reading these hopes helps to confirm our place in society. It affirms our role in individual groups and reminds us of our connections. While thoughts themselves are beneficial, receiving a traditional paper card is even more valuable in such times. We have the advantage of seeing them displayed. It's a visual reminder of the goodwill that has flowed our way.

There's also the physical bonus of being able to pick them up and re-read them whenever we need a 'lift'. It's like a medicine pill that can be self-administered. Having our cards around us reminds us of others good wishes. They all add to our feel good factor.

Doctors know that the mind is very powerful in the stages of recovery. Believing in our power to help to heal ourselves - and seeing ourselves quickly well again will speed us back into good health. Those who care about us can play a large part in helping us to stay on track, feeling loved and connected.

Often when we're sick we feel displaced and separate as we can't carry on our normal routine activities. We miss doing things at certain times. We can lose touch with people and this can make us feel isolated or claustrophobic. So a carefully written and given card can do so much more than say 'hope you're soon back to health'. It really is like intro-venous emotional medicine, feeding our need to belong and to feel loved.

Many of us don't like any contact when we're feeling under the weather, whilst others, depending on their illness are able to interact in some way. Cards remind us that we are part of a group of caring individuals who think of us in our absence, and in our recovery process. The more cards we receive, the greater the sense of well being. And we know how good our own positive thoughts can be in our personal mending process. Good wishes from others serve as positive 'medicine' and lead to a quicker recovery.

Doctors may prescribe Western Medicine, but we should all be brought up to appreciate the power of card giving.

The traditional 'visiting of the sick' was considered an essential part of the Victorian ladies' etiquette. They brought gifts of food - as is well known. But perhaps more importantly they brought communication, connection and reminders of the 'sick' person's place in their community. Such visiting was considered expected and it was also well received. We too, in our receiving of well wishes should be equally accepting. We should be thankful, rather than grateful, for the thoughts that prompted the action. How we open, read, display and absorb these sentiments are equally important to our getting well process.

These days cards are an all-too-easy thing to send. We may think they are trivial and perhaps of little significance. But spare a thought for someone you know who is sick and how your card giving could be just the pill they need at this moment. Spare a thought - and act on it, because the Get Well Card really does deserve the label of emotional medicine.