If most of you are like me, when you get sick, you shake it off and keep moving. We’re mom’s that’s what we do. But what do you do if you get hit so hard that you physically can’t keep moving?
That’s happened to me twice in the last few months. I got so sick that I literally was no use to anyone. The most recent one is happening now as I’m writing this post. So what did I do?
Took a break: I let my body rest, and boy did it rest. I found myself sleeping for almost two days straight, even having to take off work. And you know what that’s OK. We need to take care of our bodies if we expect to take care of our families.
Let others help: While I tried to hold it together, and tried to continue working on the house chores, and taking care of Cameron. When my husband “yelled” at me to go rest, I listened to him and let him take over doing everything around the house.
Take off work: Yep, I said it. If you are so sick that you can barely move, don’t feel bad about taking a sick day. I try to save all my sick days up so I can use them when I have to take off with Cameron, but sometimes that’s just not the case.
Don’t feel guilty: We are human, we are bound to get sick. Now it may not happen as often, or as severe, but we need to make sure that when it does and we need to take a break, that we don’t let ourselves feel bad about it. Feeling guilty isn’t going to magically make us feel better so it’s better just to not and move on.
Drink lots of liquids: This goes without saying for if you are a little sick, or severely sick. Keep yourself hydrated.
See a doctor if needed: I’m super stubborn when it comes to doctor’s. You can just ask my husband. But I’m starting to learn there is a time to go see a doctor when you’re sick. This most recent sickness has me with a clogged up ear that I can not shake, so I realized, if I’m going to get better, and hear again I need to go see a doctor and get medication to help me.
Don’t worry about the stuff you can’t control: If you are lucky to have help, then let them help. Don’t try to backseat parent, or backseat the household chores. Let them help you and just know that things are getting done. It may not be the way you would like, and that’s OK. We can’t control everything.
Now everyone may not be able to do this, some may not have the help, or the ability to take off work. But as I continue to learn, we must take care of ourselves or else we won’t be able to take care of others.
