How to Practice Self-Love When You're Sick
Ten days ago, I was about ready to call my landlord to tell him to fix the heat in my house because no matter how much I adjusted the thermostat I just couldn’t get warm. I was shivering with a sore throat walking around to all the vents with my hand over them to see if the heat was coming out or not. After several minutes of this, I finally realized there was nothing wrong with my unit but that the chills were a result of my own body. Of course, like everyone else these days, I panicked at the thought of possibly having Covid-19, but thought, “No way! I’ve been so careful!” Two days later I tested positive.
Upon finding out I contracted Covid-19, I went through a slew of emotions, everything from self-blame and judgment to fear and anger. I even played out the idea that this was the hand I was being dealt with because I had been judgmental of other people who had gotten it or I didn’t think were careful. Of course, I know that is absurd, but your brain goes to weird places when you are sick, especially with a virus people still know so little about. If anything, being sick with Covid has really reminded me to show compassion to those around me. We are all doing the best we can and I truly don’t wish bad health on even my worst enemy. I knew that if I wanted to cultivate a space for true healing from this virus I needed to show myself self-love. I hope if you are reading this you do not get sick this season, but I wanted to share my tips for showing yourself self-love while you are under the weather. Because self-love practices and routines may look a little different while your body is recuperating.
K.I.S.S. No I’m not telling you to go kiss everyone you know, that would just be irresponsible but keep it simple sugar(K.I.S.S.). In terms of self-love, the best thing you can do for yourself while you are feeling sick is to keep things as simple as possible. Now is not the time to dive into deep shadow work or try to work through self-limiting beliefs. Resist the urge to do a 180-degree change to your diet, especially if you think trying to eat differently is going to cause you more stress. If trying to juice and cleanse your body is going to cause your stress levels to rise, maybe just stick to postmating a grilled cheese and soup from Panera. If you can, try to release the pressure you put on yourself to be perfect and let your mind and body rest!
Accept and ask for help. This is a do as I say and not as I do recommendation. I will be the first to admit that asking for help is probably my LEAST favorite thing to do. I even had a friend who kept asking for my address I kept purposefully not giving it to her because I didn’t want her to have to do anything for me. DON’T BE LIKE ME. If you are in a position to ask for or accept help, do it. Just remember if the roles were reversed, you wouldn’t want your friend or loved one to take the opportunity for you to care for them away, so don’t do your loved ones that disservice. Let them help you!
Don’t rush it. Let your body take the time it needs to heal. Listen and respond to what your body is telling you. I was really starting to lose patience with my body and honestly losing hope. I was wondering “Am I ever going to feel better?” Finally now, ten days later, I’m just now starting to get a little more energy and pep in my step. Even though I want to jump off the couch and do every chore around the house I’ve been waiting to do, I have not. I am taking it one small thing at a time. Yesterday I made a smoothie and did a load of laundry. I resisted sweeping the floors because I knew being on my feet that long would wear me out. Start with small tasks and chores that don’t take a lot of effort so you can see how your body responds and adjust accordingly.
Finally, when you are finally feeling like you have enough energy to, start including more self-care tasks into your day. This does not need to be a grand gesture. Maybe include a face mask or a meditation. I indulged in a very simple and easy-to-do oatmeal bath yesterday and it was tremendous(along with making the smoothie and doing a load of laundry I almost maxed myself out)! Here is the recipe for this very easy bath below for when you feel ready. Again, no need to rush into anything. I spent ten days almost exclusively laying on the couch watching re-runs of Curb Your Enthusiasm and am so thankful I did! Also if you need an instant laugh and have HBO, go ahead and just skip to season 3 episode 10 at the 27-minute mark of Curb. You’ll thank me later!
