Get well soon cards are a common gesture of kindness and support when someone is sick or injured. But did you know that there is actually some science behind the well-wishing effect?
A study published in the journal Health Psychology found that people who received get well soon cards reported feeling better and having a more positive outlook on their illness than those who did not receive cards. The study also found that the cards had a longer-lasting effect, with people who received cards still feeling better two weeks later.
There are a few reasons why get well soon cards might have a positive impact on recovery. First, the cards can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When we are sick, we often feel isolated and alone. Receiving a card from a friend or loved one can remind us that we are not alone and that people care about us. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on our immune system and make it harder to heal.
Second, get well soon cards can provide social support. When we are sick, we often need help with things like taking care of ourselves, running errands, or just keeping our spirits up. Receiving a card from a friend or loved one can provide us with the social support we need to get through our illness. This support can help us to feel better physically and emotionally, which can speed up our recovery.
Finally, get well soon cards can simply be a nice gesture of kindness. When we are sick, it can be easy to feel down and sorry for ourselves. Receiving a card from a friend or loved one can brighten our day and remind us that we are loved and cared for. This can help to improve our mood and make us feel better overall.
The Science of Well-Wishing
There is a growing body of research that suggests that well-wishing can have a positive impact on health. For example, one study found that people who received get well soon card were more likely to report feeling better and having a more positive outlook on their illness than those who did not receive cards. The study also found that the cards had a longer-lasting effect, with people who received cards still feeling better two weeks later.
Another study found that people who received positive messages from their friends and family were more likely to recover from surgery more quickly than those who did not receive messages. The study also found that the positive messages helped to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on healing.
How to Write a Get Well Soon Card
If you are thinking of sending a get well soon card to someone who is sick, there are a few things you can do to make sure your card has a positive impact.
- Be personal. The card should be addressed to the specific person who is sick, and it should be personalized to their situation. If you know the person well, you can mention something specific about their illness or injury. If you don’t know them as well, you can simply express your concern for their health.
- Be positive. The card should be filled with positive messages and well-wishes. Avoid saying things like “I hope you feel better soon” or “I’m sorry you’re sick.” Instead, focus on the positive and express your hope for a speedy recovery.
- Be supportive. The card should offer support and encouragement. Let the person know that you are thinking of them and that you are there for them.
- Be brief. Get well soon cards should be brief and to the point. There is no need to write a long, rambling letter. A few well-chosen words can have a big impact.
The importance of get well soon cards:
- Get well soon cards can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When we are sick, we often feel isolated and alone. Receiving a card from a friend or loved one can remind us that we are not alone and that people care about us. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on our immune system and make it harder to heal.
- Get well soon cards can provide social support. When we are sick, we often need help with things like taking care of ourselves, running errands, or just keeping our spirits up. Receiving a card from a friend or loved one can provide us with the social support we need to get through our illness. This support can help us to feel better physically and emotionally, which can speed up our recovery.
- Get well soon cards can simply be a nice gesture of kindness. When we are sick, it can be easy to feel down and sorry for ourselves. Receiving a card from a friend or loved one can brighten our day and remind us that we are loved and cared for. This can help to improve our mood and make us feel better overall.
In addition to these benefits, get well soon cards can also:
- Help to boost morale. When we are sick, it can be easy to feel down and discouraged. However, receiving a get well soon card can remind us that we are not alone and that there is hope for recovery. This can help to boost our morale and make us feel better overall.
- Provide a sense of hope. When we are sick, it can be easy to feel like we will never get better. However, receiving a get well soon card can remind us that recovery is possible. This can provide us with a sense of hope and motivation to keep going.
- Show that we care. When we send a get well soon card, we are essentially saying to the recipient, “I care about you and I’m thinking of you.” This can be a very meaningful gesture, especially for people who are feeling isolated or alone during their illness.
Published: Jul 21, 2023
Latest Revision: Jul 21, 2023
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