It’s important, I think, to preface all this that by ‘being ill’ I do not mean the type of illness that is world-changing. To clarify, for the purposes of this article, I mean a stubborn head-cold, a bout of hay-fever or perhaps just the achey-fevery-nonsense of your body preparing to bunker down for a full on flu, but somehow managing to fight it off before a single decongestant is required.
And in this, the unique privilege that is a SICK DAY. An entire day where you are able to luxuriate in feeling a bit rotten, and doing everything nice you can to recover.
I will also proclaim that I am justified in recognising this privilege, as until a few months ago I had not been employed in a way where I was entitled to any sick days. The feeling of a runny nose would be quickly followed by the ensuing panic of trying to cram as many oranges into my mouth as possible, lest I actually become unwell enough to need to miss work and spend the following week feeling bodily better but very unhealthy in the bank account.
But, as today I have taken my first official full sick day in nearly half a decade, I just wanted to take you through my survival guide. And by survival, I mean, how to soak up every second of extra free time you are receiving while simultaneously coaxing your immune system into rebooting.
SOUP
Duh.
I don’t think it’s mattered who I have worked for, lived with, or talked to - soup seems to transcend all cultural boundaries as a magical mythical brew concocted for fixing two main ailments - depression brought about by long, cold months of Wintering, and the common cold.
And, in all their infinite wisdom, I think this is a correct assertion well made. Whatever flavour, ingredients and consistency you feel like will be readily available in either pouch or tinned form, and if you feel up to it you could even set about making your own. I think in a truly fair world, everyone would be assigned a mother-or-grandmother-figure to come to your door to deliver whatever soup reminds you most of your childhood the moment a sniffle crosses your horizon.
Personally, I have not felt like cooking, and have taken extreme joy in having an excuse to eat ‘lazy’ food for the last four days, and Amy’s variety of tinned soups have been sustaining (and delighting) me.
TISSUES
Not all tissues are created equal, and when it comes to the type of malady where I know I will be ripping these bad boys from the box by the fistful and need to stock up on at least a carton, Kleenex are all I want. Specifically the aloe-vera ones.
Other tips include using barrier cream or even lip balm around your nose to stop your new tree-sniffing habit from contributing to the sandpapering of your nostrils. Personally I use Sudocream because if it’s good enough for an entire generation of childrens backsides, its a damn sight better for me than many things I’ve put up my nose previously, I am sure.
CANDLES
The aim, environment-wise, is to make your surroundings feel so incredibly cosy you never want to leave the womb-like sanctity of your home; yet not actually warm enough that the occasional feverish turn will want to make you rip off all your skin and sit in the freezer. For this, we love a candle. The light is comforting and warm, but unless you live in a broom cupboard, won’t actually give off enough heat to interfere with your delicate internal thermostat.
TEA
Preferably herbal, fruity or with a strong tang of cinammon or ginger - or a combination of the above. Not only does this ensure you are hitting your daily quotient of fluid, but hopefully it will also ensure you are getting some sort of homeopathic boost.
Chamomile, although just a pretty dried flower, will probably make you pass out faster than a tranqued elephant, so use in moderation.
Honey, creamed or otherwise, is also a medicinal shout.
ENTERTAINMENT
Ah yes, the best part.
Allllll of that free time you can spend doing whatever it is you usually spend the spare moments at work lusting over doing the second the clock strikes 5pm, yet you are too tired to begin after your nightly routine is complete.
Although, unsuprisingly, you will probably be too tired for these too.
My stalwart is to make sure something is always going, so you don’t have time to entertain the thoughts of how awful you might actually be feeling.
A little podcast while you brew aforementioned tea, terrestrial telly while you cook dinner, a gentle documentary on an obscure and never-before-considered topic while you fall into your sixth nap of the day. Perfect!
I also recommend any comforting childhood films (Princess Bride, 101 Dalmatians, Mary Poppins, Shrek) or series (scientists say this is actually the ideal moment to binge-watch all 8 Harry Potter movies), or books (hello, this is The Finn Family Moomintroll coming to cheer you up).
If you’re feeling productive you could also do some light crafting (I am currently knitting a very shit patchwork blanket), or other artistic endeavours.
I am now craving watching Beatrix Potter cartoons and spending an afternoon drawing small pictures of owls.
COMPANY
The number one choice is a cuddly animal companion.
I have two, and as I am first and foremost their humble slave, I am awoken each morning by the demands of the biggest and hoofiest to be fed, and the smaller and more indoor-friendly waggly ones insistence that we simply must go ensure his big sister is not starving to death.
You could also substitute the above for a human, or a soft toy, but I would argue that none will be as medcinically lucrative as having a warm-pawed real life version curled up on your feet.
*I also take this moment to remind you that horses, no matter how much they protest, do not belong on couches as they will inevitably (but not for lack of care) still end up absolutely squishing your toes to oblivion if they try to nestle down with you*
You do, I think, owe it to yourself to enjoy yourself, at least a little.
You know what they say about sick leave, right?
You can’t take it with you!
I think that’s as far as my flu-ridden brain can cope with, writing-wise, so I will leave it there, but I hope that if you also come down with a winter lurgy, that you can at least remember this post and draw from it the reminder that you do deserve to take a moment to soak in the time it takes to get better.
Thanks for tuning in!
XOXO
Radio Loz
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