Why It’s Important to Make Time for Self-Care When You’re Under the Weather

It started with a sore throat.

Overnight I felt the pressure in my head and the aching in my body.

I had already been tired from the seasonal shift of summer to fall, an emotional breakdown (that led to a big breakthrough), and from being away just a few days earlier at a family wedding.

I know my health is vulnerable during these times, so it came as no surprise that I was feeling under the weather.

I fought with myself… thoughts like “But there’s so much you want to do today.” and “You have this big vision that needs your attention.” and the like, circled in my brain.

Then I realized that if I worked for someone else, I might actually be okay with taking a sick day.

I realized early on in my professional life that I liked to have my own responsibilities. If I took a day off, I would have a plan for how to catch up. And if there was something that couldn’t be put off for a day, I showed up, got that piece done and then went home to get well.  

So I did a few quick tasks and then hit the couch with my herbal tea, bone broth soup, a warm, fuzzy blanket and the remote control. Many hours and two commercial-free movies later, I managed to do a few more quick tasks and make dinner for my family.

I went to bed early and slept for 12 hours. The next day brought improvement but I still had significant fatigue. I ate more. I worked a little. I watched another movie in the middle of the day.

Over the course of two days, I couldn’t shake the thought of how little space we have in our busy lives for self-care and for honoring our body’s needs, especially when we don’t feel well.

This disconnect from our bodies is a massive problem.

It’s one thing to overlook your needs when you have a cold or something minor. You may get worse or prolong your recovery, but you’ll get by.  

It’s entirely different when you overlook your own needs consistently, for days, weeks, months or years on end.

The disconnect gets deeper, your body starts to break down, and sometimes you completely miss what’s happening until it’s staring you in the face in the form of a scary medical diagnosis.  

You have more control over your health today, tomorrow and decades from now than you’ve been led to believe.

Are you willing to take responsibility for your body and your health?

I highly doubt you would encourage your kids, your friends, your co-workers or anyone else to neglect their bodies and self-care. 

You are the only one who can put yourself on your to-do list, even if you have to slowly work your way to your rightful place at the top.

It turns out, watching interesting movies, snuggling under a blanket, sipping warm drinks and sleeping more isn’t a horrible way to spend two days. It’s been a long time since I needed it and I forgot how nourishing and healing it could be.

I’ll be back to my usual self soon and am so grateful I gave in and listened to what my body needed.

The work will be there when I’m ready and I’ll get more done faster and with greater ease when I’m feeling better.

What will your choice be?

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