The alarm rings. You wake up with a knot in your chest, tension all over your body, a headache that makes you feel like you could have telekinetic powers showing themselves at any time, and a general feeling of having been thrown in front of a dangerous spotlight. You are anxious. Oh, no. You think of all the things you had planned for the day; the productive and important things. You feel tricked, because let’s face it, these things won’t get done, not happily anyway. Life has other plans for you, so what are you going to do? Are you going to resist it? Be mad about your lack of control and spend the day cooped up with guilt?
No. That is not what you are going to do.
You are going to listen to your body. You are going to give yourself some much needed love and care by creating yourself a day of relaxation and peace! Hooray!
This is why I believe that anxiety is a blessing in disguise, an invitation to some pampering and introspection. Anxiety is your body telling you that some business has not been dealt with, that some issues have been ignored or that your being needs the loving care it deserves.
Here are my tips on how to make your sick day as beneficial, healing and fun as possible! Because yes, it is a sick day, and I have got your back. Let me be the caring mom you need.
( If you have to go to work today, which would make you Supergirl in my mind (Yes, boys, Supergirl you are), I suggest taking it slow. Being honest could be a solution. You could share your struggles with your supervisor, warning her or him that you won’t be your most productive self today. If you want to keep it to yourself, that’s fine to. You could call in sick. You do you. Anyway, if that is the case, if you need to go to work, do these steps I am sharing right when you get home. You will need it! )
So, you are home and in complete control of what you do with your time?
First, let’s create the perfect soothing environment.
You will need: a cup of hot water with fresh lemon juice and all-natural honey (or lemon juice in a bottle and the old honey somewhere in your cupboard), a comfortable and soft pajama (the cheasiest, the better), your favorite throw, a scented (and lighted) candle, a large glass of water, a tissue box (or two), some healthy snacks and sweets, paper and a pen, your computer, your bed and the much-needed and much-important remote control.
There. You. Go. All set. Are you comfortable? Is there anything else you need? If so, go get that!
Second, we need to create a beautiful inner environment.
Close your eyes in complete silence for a moment. Notice your present state. How do you feel? What do you think? Listening to your emotions is the most powerful tool for well-being you can have in your “toolbox”. Most often, they will tell you what the road to health and restoration looks like.
If you feel guilty or ashamed for not doing all the things you “should” be doing in spite of your anxiety, stop yourself. You will not lose your job. You will not lose the love of the ones around you. You are not worthless because of a sick day. If you want to be healthy, if you want to grow old and happy, you need to start making yourself healthy and happy right now. Rest. Watch your favorite TV shows or movies. Sing along to your favorite song. Be grateful that anxiety is not permanent and will leave you soon! Give yourself a hug, thank your body. Take this precious time to redefine your worth without taking into account your career, your income or your productivity. See your beauty in relaxation and peace.
Which brings me to the third step; journaling.
Grab your pen, put it to paper and see the magic happen! This is a beautiful method for reaching out to your inner voice and connecting with your essence. Your feelings are demanding to be heard, so let them speak! For the most seasoned anxiety carriers, you probably know this trick all too well. Here are some writing prompts to get you going:
Why do you love yourself? What do you feel grateful for in your life these days? What is something that hurt you recently? What are you hopeful for in the future? Who is the person you aspire to be?
Don’t feel obliged to write a book. It can only be bullet-points or short sentences if you feel that. What is important is that you connect with your wonderful truth. If you like leaning into introspection, if you have enough energy, or if self-development is your thing, feel free to follow this up with a quick guided meditation or some stretching and breathing exercises.
Then, the last step, the primordial step, is to relax.
Let go! Nap if you want, drift into wonderland, laugh at your own jokes, play ball with your tissues or make friends with fictional characters. This is your day, your body needs it!
Hope you get well soon, my friend.
-P
The Stories We Tell 