The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-03-17
THE NEVER-REST CURE.
Benefi cIal Effects of Regular Muscular
Exercise and Recreation.


As there are many degrees OF ner-
vous exhaustion, so are there many
methods of restoration. What would
be pleasant exercise to one might prove
laborious eXertion to another, and what
might be soothing to one might be IT.
ritating to another In all cases, how
ever, complete nerve rest implies the
maintenance of agreeable sensation
and the avoidance of nervous agitation.
1t may not be possible to obtain such
absolute rest as is here indicated, but
the aim of treatment is to secure as
near an approach to it as can be at
tanned by legitimate means. No means
are used which might injure the general
health.
The fact that women are more liable
than men to the severer forms OF nervous
exhaustion is one reason why :he cases
quoted in these pages are chiefly those
of women. Another reason is that, in
men, it is rarely possible to study this
stage of the disease uncomplicated by
the effects of alcoholic indulgence.
Most men who find themselves becom-
ing victims of nervousness endeavor to
escape the worries of life by taking ref
uge in drink; 50 they usually bring
upon themselves other diseases of alcds
holic origin. In women this was not
formerly the habit. but there is reason
to believe that the late increase of inc
briefly among them is largely due to the
spread of nervous exhaustion. On the
other hand there are many cases in
both sexes where alcoholic indulgence
has undoubtedly been the chief cause of
the ailment.
Although the most severe forms of
this disease have alone been discussed,
it must not be supposed that milder
forms do not also require special nerve
rest. This can not be secured without
more OF less change being made in the
ordinary mode of life. Nervous agita-
ton is the chief cause of nervous ex-
haustion. 1t is almost impossible even
for n healthy man to avoid certain
amount of agitation in connection with
his affairs, while for the nervous man it
is absolutely impossible. For the lat
ter, therefore, frequent holiday is
essential. The way of spending such
holiday is matter of urgent i'm
portance.
Many nervous sufferers return home
worse than when they left. They climb
mountains in Switzerland when they
ought to be lettering on the sea shore
or lounging the deck of an ocean
steamer. They rise early Ito make the
best of to-day" when they had better
lie several hours longer to fix the bene-
fits of yesterday Like the unskifled
rider, who dismounts for relief, they
are frequently driven to bed to recover
from their holiday exertions.
The amount of exercise must be
regulated by its effects on head Or
spine. Mere muscular fatigue may be
overcome by regular walking, but
nervous fatigue must be entirely
avoided. If the patient can not take
sufficient exercise to sustain his appe-
tite and digestion he had better undergo
an hours massage daily. And when
he has once gained the power of walk
ing from five to ten miles a day with
out fatigue to head or spine, he ought,
by constant practice, endeavor to re-
tain it.
There is no better preventive of
nervous exhaustion than regular I'M
hurried muscular exercise. If we could
moderate our hurry, lessen our worry,
and increase our open-air exercise,
large portion OF nervous diseases would
be abolished.
For those who can not get a sufficient
holiday the best substitute is an occa-
sional day in bed. Many whose nerves
are constantly strained in their daily
vocation have discovered this for them
selves. A Spanish merchant in BARGE.
Iona told his medical man that he al
ways went to bed for two or three days
whenever he could be spared from his
business, and he laughed at those who
spent their holidays on toilsome mount
dlllS. Ollt Vi lllc lliIucSU-WOIhcu WOllle1
in England, who has for many years
conducted large wholesale business,
retains excellent nerves at an advanced
age. owing, it is believed, to her habit
of taking one day week in bed. If
we can not avoid frequent agitation we
ought, if possible, to give the nervous
system time to recover itself between
the shocks.
Even an hours seclusion after a good
lunch will deprive a hurried, anxious
day of much of its injury. The nerves
can often be overcome by strategem
when they refuse to be controlled by
strength of will.-NineteenM Century.
Manhood in Criminals.
Speaking of his experience with Grim