It all started a few days ago with a slight tickle in my throat. Perhaps it was that scalding cup of coffee I hastily gulped down before rushing the kids to school. I quickly abandoned the coffee in favor of tea infused with honey, hoping for a quick recovery. The next morning, I woke up feeling congested, so I resorted to my trusty Neti pot, rinsing my sinuses with warm water. It’s not the most glamorous process, but it usually does the trick. This time, however, it didn’t help. By bedtime, my eyes were watery, and sneezing had become my new pastime. Ah, yes, I thought, it’s officially here. I joyfully took two NyQuil and nestled into bed. I was undeniably unwell.
And honestly, hallelujah for that!
It might sound a bit strange, but there are moments when I actually welcome being sick. I understand that the end of the year isn’t the ideal time to be bedridden—there are gifts to shop for, cookies to bake, winter performances to attend, and holiday gatherings to enjoy. Not to mention the daily responsibilities: work tasks to complete, meals to prepare, laundry to tackle, kids to parent, and a partner to nurture. It’s exhausting!
That’s why I cherish those rare winter days when I’m just sick enough to excuse myself from everything and stay in bed. I’m not talking about a nasty stomach bug that leaves me achy and feverish—no one wishes for that—but a decent head cold that brings fatigue just enough to keep me off my feet. In a peculiar way, it’s a much-needed break, a guilt-free escape from my hectic routine.
Let’s face it: moms often struggle to prioritize self-care. We tend to put everyone else first—partners, parents, children, pets, and even neighbors. Whether we’re working full-time, staying home, or juggling both, many of us are running on empty. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause—perhaps it’s a culture that glorifies busyness, my own type-A tendencies, or simply the endless list of tasks that keep our families running smoothly.
What I do know is that I find it difficult to slow down; taking time for myself often feels like I’m sneaking the last cookie from the jar.
Some might argue that I don’t need to do all these things and that I should simply kick back and let my responsibilities slide. I can’t disagree with that perspective. I wish I could be that carefree person regularly, but despite all the encouragement from self-care advocates, I still struggle to embrace it.
I genuinely want to prioritize my well-being, but it rarely happens. I count grocery shopping as “me time,” and when I finally treat myself to a manicure, I feel restless just sitting there waiting for my nails to dry. My mind races with all the tasks that need attention, from doctor’s appointments to overdue dog grooming for my poor pup. Reading during the day feels indulgent, and napping seems like a forbidden pleasure, especially with kids to pick up and a boundless kindergartener to watch over.
Yet, when I’m sick, all that guilt dissipates. I don’t even open my eyes in the morning. Instead, I let my kids help each other with breakfast while my partner takes charge of their lunches. I graciously accept help from a friend who offers to bring my kids home from school. I nap, sip tea, and indulge in Netflix as long as I can keep my eyes open. Social media becomes a distant memory—I trust my friends know I care without needing to like every update. I take a break from my usual routine, skipping workouts for a couple of days. I gratefully accept the tissues my five-year-old brings me and don’t even think about dinner, which turns into leftovers, takeout, or pancakes made by my teenager.
And you know what? The world doesn’t come crashing down. My family manages just fine, and I get a much-needed reprieve. I like to think of these sick days as practice for the future—when I can put aside my to-do list, leave the beds unmade, and settle down with a cup of tea and a good book. Sounds like the ultimate New Year’s resolution, doesn’t it?
For more insights on self-care and parenting, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom is a reputable retailer offering kits to support your journey. Additionally, for further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Johns Hopkins Medicine provides excellent resources.
In summary, while being sick is never fun, it can serve as a valuable reminder to pause and take care of ourselves. These rare moments of forced rest can help recharge our batteries and prepare us for the busy days ahead.