Look After You!

On Friday I woke up and my voice was a bit odd, as the day wore on, my voice slowly dwindled and it was getting harder and more strained to talk. Resting my voice was a challenge, I work in HR so tend to talk to a number of people a day. What I discovered was I talk way more than I realised. By Friday night Scott was enjoying the peace as my voice was a strained noise. I gave up and just spoke when I needed to. Ugh it was difficult.

I took some medication to help but in the end I went to bed and hoped I’d wake up with a voice and feeling good. I know it was a longshot but it may work.

It didn’t work. I woke up with less of a voice than I’d hoped. So what could I do? I followed my usual morning routine. Get woken up by my cat, so firstly feed her before anything else. I then did some yoga, a gentle flow to ease me into the day and help with my low energy levels, I certainly wasn’t up for an energetic flow. This flow was low to the ground and just what was needed. I went for a shower and made it steamy and put a few drops of sandalwood and lavender essential oil in to help soothe my voice, by helping to fight infections and inflammation. I stood in the shower just breathing it in. Ahhhh.

I came out the shower and put my comfy clothes on – there was no way I was leaving the house so the aim was to be comfy.

I had so many plans for the day, I find it hard to sit still and do nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I can do it, but realising I was fit for nothing and had no energy, I had to listen to my body and not push through like I usually do.

As the day wore on, it became clear this was a cold and my throat was getting sore, my cough was more annoying and my voice had almost gone. I sat and watched tv and movies and if I’m honest, was waiting to go to bed. I haven’t felt this drained for a very long time.

If this was during the week, I would likely have pushed to keep going and get through work, but as it was the weekend, I had the space to breathe and relax and let go. Not the best way to deal with it had it been a work day, but had I felt awful then I would have either worked from home or taken the day off.

Taking it easy when you are ill is so important. To help you overcome sickness give your body and mind a rest to help it heal. Here are 4 things to do when you have a cold and/or need to stop and focus on getting better.

1. Stop – I have mentioned this above, but really, stop everything you are doing. Stop working if you are, if you are struggling to focus, then really stop working and take some time off. If you are in your bed or on your sofa reading but struggling to hold your book up then put an audio book on instead or listen to a podcast or music. Relax. If you are lying on your sofa in front of your tv then put on a movie you’ve always wanted to see but haven’t yet got to or find a movie that doesn’t require much thought and really you can watch without too much brain power, it could be your favourite movie you know off by heart. Or use it as a perfect opportunity to binge watch a series. Whatever you do though, make sure you are stopping heavy work and keeping things light.
2. Nourish – Give your body good food containing vitamins and minerals, it will help you to feel better and give your body fuel to help you heal. As much as reaching for the comfort food is what you want to do – (believe me I know it is much easier), however, having a fresh meal cooked with colourful veg and a protein of your choice will be good for you. I’m not saying deny yourself something of comfort at times like this, such as a bit of chocolate or some macaroni cheese. Just do it in a sensible way and have your mac and cheese with vegetables and have a bit less. Take some vitamin supplements to give your body a boost.
3. Sleep – Rest up and sleep is probably the best thing to do when you are not feeling your best. So get your PJ’s on and go to bed earlier than you usually would. Wear an eye mask to create darkness if it is still light outside. Put some soothing music on or natural sounds or find a sleep meditation to listen to, to help you drift off. If you find yourself waking during the night coughing or with a blocked nose, get up and take some cough medicine and grab an extra pillow to lift your head. Resting up will definitely be off benefit.
4. Listen – really focus on what your body needs, is it food or medicine or rest? What is your body and mind telling you to do. Pay attention and it will help you to do what you need to benefit your body.

If you are unwell at present, I send you a lot of love and get well wishes. The most important thing is to listen to your body and rest when needed. Don’t over do it and push yourself to the limit. Take care and please look after you.

Have a great week. Love Emma xx