The 6 Simple Things I Did While Sick That Made Me Feel So Much Better!

I just went through five days of feeling like I had the plague. Being sick is the absolute worst. Okay, maybe not literally the plague, and I know there are worse things out there, but when you're in the thick of it, it sure feels like the worst. If you're human and you've ever been sick, you know what I'm talking about. Now that I'm starting to feel human again, I've realized a few things about being sick. Here they are:

1. Own it. It's not just a sniffle or allergies, you're sick. If you're sick, let yourself be sick. Contrary to popular belief, moms, wives, and employees CAN get sick. How often do we push through being sick just to pretend we're not? Listen to your body! If you're sick, let your body be sick and take care of it!

   
   

2.  INdependence. The people who depend on you will learn to be independent. I know, I know, but trust me, they'll figure it out. While you're healing, they'll have no choice but to solve their own problems. And solve them they will. Even if that means ordering pizza, it's still problem-solving.

   
   

3. No. Say no. Yep, just no. Not "I'll do it after my nap" or "maybe later." Just no. Unplug from other commitments and take a real sick day. Moms, I know we don't actually get sick days, but as the kids get older, it gets easier. So, as much as you can, take an ACTUAL SICK DAY. The world will keep spinning, and people will either wait for you or become independent problem-solvers. You're giving them a great chance to grow by stepping back.

   
   

4. Yes. Say Yes. Wait, what? I thought the directive was say "no!" Yep, say no to everything that doesn't help your health, but say yes to what does. It's different for everyone, but during my recent "plague," I said yes to some things that were out of my comfort zone. A friend asked if I wanted homemade turkey & rice soup. Old Yes! I wanted soup, like really wanted soup and she loves to help through acts of service. So, I got comfort food, and she got to show some love. Win, win! Another friend texted me just to check in and upon finding out that I was sick, asked if I needed anything. I did want more soup and a few things but didn't want to be a bother. Her servant-heart reminded me it was no bother, and she requested a list, so I said yes to ramen, ginger ale, Coke, and cough drops. Her boys delivered everything to my door! I felt so cared for and three people filled their cups by helping me. Again, win, win!

   
   

5. Ask. I really needed caffeine. I always know when I am really sick because I can't drink my usual coffee. I didn't want a caffeine headache on top of everything. Early one morning, I texted my oldest son and asked him to grab an icy cold Coke on his way home. Thirty minutes later, he proudly walks in with a Coke slushy in one hand AND a regular cold Coke in the other. Well done, son. Well done.

   
   

6. Talk to HIM. I usually drive my daughter to school. On plague day two, I dragged myself downstairs and flopped on the couch, my head pounding. I didn't want to move, talk, or drive. I could hear my husband in the kitchen. I thought about asking him to take her to school, but I wanted him to offer. Sometimes you just want your husband to read your mind, right? Since his mind-reading isn't perfect, I prayed to God to show him. After a minute, I heard the best words: "I'll take her to school so you can rest." Hallelujah! I crawled to the other side of the couch and slept for four more hours. So, remember to talk to HIM. Talking to him is ALWAYS more powerful than mind-reading :-)

I hope you stay healthy, but if you do get sick, remember to own it! Say no but also say yes! Ask for what you need and ask God for help! Being sick is inconvenient, but while I rested, friends and family showed love, my little tribe kept things running (not my way, but that's okay!), and I gave others a chance to grow. Oh, and I finally finished the last season of Virgin River, Emily in Paris, and two books!

Stay healthy, friends!