It all began a few days ago with a slight irritation at the back of my throat. Perhaps I scalded my mouth with that hurried sip of coffee, the one I never manage to finish before racing the kids to school. I quickly traded my coffee for a steaming cup of tea sweetened with honey, hoping for a quick recovery. However, the following morning brought congestion, prompting me to employ the Neti pot method — warm water aimed straight up my nose. It’s not the most pleasant of experiences, but usually effective. This time, however, it was futile. By the time night fell, my eyes were watering, and relentless sneezing had taken over. Oh yes, here it comes. I happily ingested two doses of NyQuil and nestled into bed. I was officially under the weather.
And you know what? I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
It might sound peculiar, but there are moments when I genuinely welcome being sick. I recognize it’s not the most convenient time of year to be bedridden, with the holiday season in full swing — presents to purchase and wrap, mountains of cookie dough to prepare, winter concerts to attend, and holiday gatherings to enjoy. Then, there are daily responsibilities: work tasks to complete, meals to plan and prepare, laundry to tackle, children to nurture, and a partner to connect with. It can be overwhelming.
This is precisely why I look forward to those rare winter days when I’m just sick enough to excuse myself from life’s demands and stay in bed. I’m not referring to the stomach flu or anything that leaves me in pain; rather, I’m talking about a mild head cold that grants me just enough fatigue to completely opt-out of my hectic schedule. It’s a rare opportunity to focus on self-care without the guilt that usually accompanies such indulgence.
As mothers, we often neglect our own needs. We prioritize the well-being of our partners, children, colleagues, and even pets. Regardless of whether we work full-time, stay at home, or juggle both, many of us are running on fumes. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause — a culture that glorifies busyness, my own type-A tendencies, or the endless list of tasks that keep my household running smoothly.
I know I struggle to slow down, and taking time for myself can feel like a guilty pleasure, akin to sneaking the last cookie from the jar. Some may argue that I don’t need to do everything, that I should simply relax with a drink and let life unfold, and I’d agree. I aspire to be that laid-back person, but despite all the encouragement from wellness advocates, I find it difficult to embrace a self-care routine.
When I do manage to find some personal time, grocery shopping alone feels like a treat, and the rare manicure only serves to make me restless as I wait for my nails to dry, my mind racing with all the tasks that still await. Doctor appointments compete with overdue pet grooming, and looming work deadlines add to the pressure. Reading a book during the day feels like a luxury; napping is nearly impossible with energetic children to manage.
However, when sickness strikes, all that guilt fades away. I don’t even bother to get out of bed in the morning. I allow my older kids to manage breakfast while my partner helps them prepare lunches. I graciously accept help from a neighbor who offers to pick up the kids from school. I indulge in naps, sip tea, and immerse myself in Netflix until my eyes refuse to stay open. Social media notifications can wait; my friends understand I care without the need for constant engagement. I skip my usual spin classes and gratefully accept tissues from my youngest child. Dinner? It can be leftovers, takeout, or pancakes crafted by my teenager.
And remarkably, life continues without me. My family adjusts, and I finally get a much-needed break. I like to think of these sick days as a rehearsal for a future where I can, without illness, set aside obligations, leave chores undone, and simply enjoy a cup of tea with a good book. Sounds like a perfect New Year’s resolution.
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In summary, while we often resist taking a break, sometimes a sick day offers the perfect excuse to prioritize self-care and reset. It reminds us that even in the midst of chaos, our well-being matters.
Keyphrase: sick day necessity
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