I was sitting in a polished new restaurant that begged for new customers. With a waitress that carefully went through each page of the menu, explaining and recommending dishes that she thought were tasty. We ooh and awed at everything, ultimately, choosing the soup that the chef simmered for 4 hours and continued to simmer during the rest of the day. We also picked this fiery popcorn chicken that was supposedly a secret menu. When we took a few bites, we knew those moments in our lives that this was going to be a successful restaurant, and that I hit it on the mark when I picked this place.
The next day nausea and upset stomach ravaged my insides like a monster. I slept that entire day with a few moments of distant onlooking like a zombie, eating crackers and apricot jam and toast. The following day I felt renewed. It was like everything passed until the bug crept up and then the toilet and I were best friends.
The first thing Monday I looked at the clocked, felt my stomach, and texted my boss that I was a no go today. There was some sort of relief that I didn’t have to push myself like those other times I made myself go to work. I closed my eyes and woke up a few hours later. As I ate my dull BRAT food, I watched some news, realizing how powerful recovery can be. Here are few reasons how being sick on a sick day helps you catch up on your self-care.
1) You are completely disconnected when you aren’t at the office. You will feel antsy and want to work remotely, but the truth of the matter is, you’re in your bed, resting for a reason. Your body isn’t ready to take on additional stress and concentration. So if you have this urge to check a work email -don’t. Work will always be there. Do this instead: Only if you have energy, and starting to feel better, out of the woods, then light cleaning is a perfect way to move your body. The point isn’t to look for a workout but the movement allows your body to keep blood flowing, and cleaning allows for a de-stressing time.
2) Always drink plenty of water, eat something light but good for you, and sleep as much as you can. You’ll need this day for your body to use it’s every defense, and your body requires the hydration and fuel to fight the virus or bacteria you have. If you’re starting to feel better, keep the sick diet for another day to make sure you maintain consistency for your stomach.
Do this instead: Need ideas of science based foods? Try hot teas, garlic, chicken soup, bananas, yogurt. The easiest is the BRAT diet.
3) If you have taken the liberty for a second day and things are looking like back to normal, this is the perfect time to organize and reset yourself. Make a list of errands for the week, check your schedule this week for when you’re ready to resume your workout, find out if you have any medical follow up appointments, pay your bills, review your calendar, prep your meals for work, do laundry.
Consider your second sick day (if you took it) as a way to jump start your week with organized clear tasks, and a home that is clean and ready for you. Just don’t forget to keep up any medication regime your doctor gave you, drink more water than you think you need, and smile that your health is something that many people take for granted.
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