It all began several days ago with a slight tickle in my throat. Perhaps it was a consequence of that scorching cup of coffee I rushed to drink before dashing out the door for work. As the symptoms progressed, I promptly switched to warm tea sweetened with honey, praying for a quick recovery. The following morning brought a wave of congestion, prompting me to resort to my trusty Neti pot — a rather unappealing yet usually effective remedy. However, this time it fell short of expectations. By nightfall, watery eyes and persistent sneezing had taken over. I knew what was coming. With a mix of acceptance and relief, I took two doses of NyQuil and nestled into bed. I was officially unwell.
Surprisingly, I found myself welcoming this unexpected break. I know it sounds a bit peculiar, especially at the end of the year when there’s so much to accomplish. With gifts to buy and wrap, cookie dough to prepare, winter performances to attend, and holiday gatherings to enjoy, the festive season can be overwhelming. On top of all that, there are daily responsibilities: work deadlines, meal planning, laundry, and nurturing relationships with my partner and children — it’s exhausting.
This is precisely why I cherish those rare days when I’m sick enough to justify canceling everything and staying in bed. I’m not referring to debilitating illnesses like the stomach flu — that’s never enjoyable. Instead, I’m talking about a modest head cold that leaves me just fatigued enough to take a break from my hectic schedule. It’s an acceptable excuse to focus on self-care.
As mothers, we often neglect our own well-being, prioritizing our families, colleagues, pets, and even the neighbors’ animals. Whether working full-time, staying at home, or balancing both worlds, many of us are running on empty. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause — perhaps it’s a culture that glorifies productivity, my own type-A tendencies, or simply the endless list of tasks that keep our households running smoothly. Regardless, I struggle with the idea of slowing down, feeling as though dedicating time to myself is akin to sneaking the last cookie from the jar.
Some might argue that I don’t need to do all these things and should just relax, letting everything fall into place. While I’d love to embrace that mindset regularly, I find it challenging to prioritize self-care, despite the abundance of advice promoting its importance. I consider grocery shopping “me time” and feel restless during a manicure, constantly thinking of the tasks awaiting my attention. Doctor’s appointments clash with the dog’s grooming needs, and the looming work deadline looms larger as I attempt to juggle it all. Even reading during the day feels indulgent, while napping seems like the ultimate luxury, especially with kids to pick up and a lively kindergartner to watch over.
However, when illness strikes, all that guilt dissipates. I relinquish my morning routine and allow my children to help each other with breakfast while my partner prepares their lunches. I graciously accept offers from friends to assist with school pick-ups. During this time, I indulge in naps, sip tea, and binge-watch shows on Netflix until exhaustion takes over. Social media notifications fade away; my friends know I care without my constant engagement. I give myself permission to skip my workout, and I gratefully accept the tissues my five-year-old brings me. Dinner transforms into leftovers or a simple takeout order, and sometimes, pancakes whipped up by my teenager.
And you know what? The world continues to spin. My family manages just fine, and I get a much-needed respite. I like to think of these sick days as practice for someday when I can deliberately set aside my to-do list, leave the household chores undone, and enjoy a quiet afternoon with a book and a steaming cup of tea. Sounds like the perfect New Year’s resolution, doesn’t it?
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In summary, embracing sick days can provide an essential opportunity for self-care that many mothers overlook. Taking time to rest and recharge is vital, allowing you to return to your busy life with renewed energy and focus.