I’ve been sick with con crud for a week and a half now, so I totally get it. But when we fall ill, it’s imperative for us to rest and relax so we can recover. Sure, you’ll get better at some point even if you don’t, but how much longer will you be sick if you don’t take the time to heal properly? Rushing through life while you’re sick can extend the illness or, worse, make you even sicker.
Plant yourself on the couch or in bed. Sleep, nap, and rest. Take baths and drink lots of yummy tea. Stay hydrated and eat foods with lots of nutrients in them. Watch Hallmark movies or binge the new season of Orange is the New Black. Read all of those books you one-clicked last month. Find someone to help you with the kids or your job if you need it. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out for assistance so you can heal and get back to your regularly scheduled life. We don’t have to do everything on our own.
Exhaustion is not a badge of honor. Your health may not feel like a priority in the scheme of things, but it absolutely is, especially when others are counting on us. Take care of yourself. Be kind and gentle with your body and your mind while you’re sick. If you need to take medication, take it properly. Please don’t let your health slide. Get used to taking care of yourself now so it becomes an easier practice. You might even find that illness skips over you or doesn’t affect you as severely if you have healthy self-care practices already in place.
As you heal, listen to your body.
The more you take care of yourself and rest, the more you’ll heal. It may be a slow process, but trust your body. Keep feeding yourself nutritious food, stay hydrated, and get outside if you’re able to. Fresh air and sunlight can help your body fight the illness off. Plus, they’ll help keep you positive. A positive attitude can also assist the healing process, especially when we’re feeling so down.
But, as you start to feel better, you’ll be tempted to do more and more. My best advice is to still take it easy. You may think you feel up to it, but your body is still healing and getting over that illness. Having just been in these shoes, I understand the desire to get back to normal life. Our bodies, however, need a little more time. Take it hour by hour and listen to your body. If you’re feeling exhausted again, do yourself that favor of slowing back down, getting to bed at a reasonable time, and sleeping until you’re well rested.
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