We like to tell ourselves that the mind is stronger than the body. If you push hard enough, if you grit your teeth long enough, if you simply “think positive,” then you can overcome whatever pain or sickness you’re dealing with. That’s the promise in the old saying, “mind over matter.” It sounds powerful, even magical and sometimes, when you’re facing a small challenge, it works. However, when I was laid up sick recently, that mantra collapsed under the weight of reality. No amount of positive thinking or sheer willpower was going to override what my body was going through. I tried all the tricks I’ve heard over the years. There’s the classic “look good, feel good” philosophy. The idea is that if you drag yourself up, put on real clothes, maybe some makeup and present yourself as if you’re fine, then eventually your brain will catch on and start believing it. I’ve leaned on that more times than I care to admit. When you’re tired or feeling a little off, it can sometimes work like a…