Ok, I’ll fess up: I’m feeling a bit sorry for myself today. My nose is blocked, my head is pounding and I’m not sure if my body will make it through the day! Yep - unfortunately I haven’t managed to dodge flu season, yet my two children fail to register this rather significant fact. Actually, this morning, after my husband left for a business trip - way before the sun came up, I lay in bed wondering how I was going to get up at all. But at 6am (I could set my alarm by it) I heard the familiar sound of my four year-old’s bright “Morning mumma,” and I know relaxing in bed is a distant pipedream. So rather than wallow in self-pity, I’ve decided to write a self-help guide to equip myself to get through the next few days – here goes:
- Never, ever go to bed past 10pm – aim for around 9pm or as early as possible. Sleep is the essence of a speedy recover.
- Don’t drink – that includes a glass or two of wine on a Friday night, for it’s just not worth the potential headache come sunrise.
- Consume lots and lots of water – this is not only good to flush out your insides but for a parched throat (which can happen on my better parenting days too!).
- Up the ante on fresh fruit, veggies and vitamins in general – Diet is vital when the immune system is suppressed.
- Don’t use toilet paper for nose blowing – Splash out on nice, soft, luxurious tissues – your skin will thank you!
- Try not to take out frustrations on little people (or anyone!) – Getting sick is less than ideal but it’s hard, until children are at least to school-aged, for kids to empathise.
- If you’re still feeling really down and out ask (beg if need be) for help – Partners and parents can be particularly useful in such times of need - sometimes a day sleep or an hour of down time can make all the difference in ebbing energy levels!
If none of the above works just feel grateful that it’s just the flu/cold and not a more serious or chronic condition – some parents do it much tougher!
Let me know if you have any other hot tips on the subject!