When I used to lecture at the medical training course, I remember one particular consultant vividly. She had spent her whole career working in a childrens hospital. She once shared something quite unusual with me. Her children managed to catch every infectious illness under the suneven though she was a doctor and did everything right. They were always coming down with bugs or viruses, and it became exhausting treating them all the time. Still, the kids were lively and cheerful as ever.
She maintained scrupulous hygiene: showered as soon as she got home, changed her clothes, washed her handsdid everything by the book. Yet, her children would catch exactly the illnesses her patients had. If shed had a particularly challenging case that day, sure enough, her children would fall ill almost immediately after. No amount of vitamins or cold showers helped, and she became increasingly discouraged.
One day, after an especially gruelling day at the hospital, she was worn to the bone. An especially emotional case had left her dreading going home, worried that her children would fall ill yet again. Rather than returning straight away, she slipped into the Odeon to watch an Indiana Jones film, feeling a mix of guilt and exhilaration for doing something just for herself. When she got home later, the children were healthy and still bouncing about with glee.
A few days later, she went round to a friends house after work. They had a cup of tea together with some biscuits and shared a hearty laugh over a silly joke. Again, she returned to find her kids perfectly well.
Gradually, it became a habit for hernot rushing home straight from work, even when the chores back home were stacking up. Sometimes, she would detour through the little park near her house, admiring the flowers and watching the fountain. She might sit on a bench for a bit, taking in the peace, before finally heading home. And from that point on, her children stopped falling ill all the time.
Her conclusion? It wasnt just about germs. She realised it was the atmosphere, the emotional weight that she was bringing home with her, that seemed to affect her children. It was as if shed been carrying a cloud of bad news back to her family, and it was making them unwelldespite her best efforts. And, remarkably, as soon as she made sure to shift her mindset before going home, the illnesses disappeared.
So now, whenever something difficult happens, I remember her story. It isnt always best to rush home to your loved ones when youre feeling low. We might unintentionally pass something negative to them, without saying a word. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenea stroll through the local park, popping into the cinema, or a good laugh with a friend. Only then, after youve lifted your mood, should you hurry back to those dearest to you. Scientists may not fully understand how it works, but it certainly doesa quick walk among the flowers, or a dash of adventure with Indiana Jones, can make all the difference before bringing yourself home.
