I didn't notice it until last night when I started feeling better, but the battle with strep really muted the internal banter I usually have. With the exception of noticing passive stimuli (like smells and things I see or sensations like hunger) my brain really wasn't pondering very much. Once I got past the stage of feeling like shit, I felt like a zombie just walking around or someone in the middle of a perpetual meditation session. In some respects it was quite peaceful but after a few hours I missed the comforting chatter of my own mind. I felt hollow, almost like a mindless little bird fluttering around. I wonder if this is how most people are on a regular basis.