It began a few days ago with a faint tickle in my throat. Perhaps I burned it with that scorching cup of coffee I rarely have time to finish before rushing the kids off to school. I quickly tossed aside the coffee, opting for honey-laden tea, hoping it would do the trick. The next morning, I woke up feeling congested, so I resorted to my trusty Neti pot, flushing warm water through my sinuses. A bit gross, I know, but usually effective. Not this time, though. By the time bedtime rolled around, my eyes were watery, and sneezing was a constant nuisance.
Ah, yes, here it comes. With a hint of excitement, I took two NyQuil and snuggled into bed. I was officially unwell.
And you know what? There are moments when being sick actually feels like a blessing. I get it; it sounds a bit off, especially with the end of the year approaching. There are gifts to buy and wrap, mountains of cookie dough to prepare, winter recitals to attend, and festive gatherings to enjoy. Not to mention the usual responsibilities: work deadlines, meals to plan and prepare, laundry to tackle, and kids to nurture. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?
That’s why I cherish those rare winter days when I’m just sick enough to disregard everything else and stay in bed. I’m not talking about a debilitating stomach bug, but a manageable head cold that brings just enough fatigue to keep me from my usual tasks. It’s a guilt-free excuse to pause my hectic life and focus on self-care.
Moms often struggle to prioritize their own well-being. We tend to put everyone else first: partners, parents, children, pets, and even the neighbor’s animals. Whether juggling a full-time job, staying at home, or balancing both, many of us are running on fumes. I’m not sure whether to blame the societal pressure to be productive, my own type-A tendencies, or the monumental to-do lists that keep piling up.
What I do know is that I’m not great at slowing down. Taking time for myself often feels like I’m sneaking the last cookie from the jar. Some might say I should simply relax and let things slide, and while I agree, I still find it hard to embrace that mindset.
I want to put myself first, but it rarely happens. I count grocery shopping as “me time” and fidget through a manicure because I can’t sit still without worrying about my never-ending list of tasks. Doctor’s appointments, dog grooming, and impending work deadlines constantly vie for my attention. Even reading a book during the day feels indulgent, and napping seems like the ultimate luxury—impossible to enjoy with a high-energy toddler around.
But when I am sick, all that guilt dissipates. I don’t even open my eyes in the morning. Instead, I let my older kids help each other with breakfast while my partner steps in to assist with lunch prep. I gratefully accept the offer from a kind friend to pick my kids up from school. I nap, sip on herbal tea, and indulge in Netflix for as long as I can keep my eyes open. Social media? I ignore it. My friends know I care without needing to like their posts every hour. I give myself permission to skip spin class for a couple of days, and I don’t even think about dinner, which often turns into leftovers or takeout.
And guess what? The world doesn’t collapse. My family adapts, and I get a much-needed break. I like to think of these sick days as practice for the real deal—the day when I can set aside my to-do list, leave the beds unmade, and enjoy a cup of tea with my favorite book. It sounds like a fantastic New Year’s resolution, doesn’t it?
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Summary
Sick days can be a rare opportunity for moms to take a break from their busy lives and focus on self-care without guilt. By embracing the downtime, they can recharge and reset, which can ultimately lead to a healthier approach to balancing family responsibilities and personal well-being.