3 Reasons to stop working when you’re sick.

We all get sick. It’s nothing we can avoid and it’s something we all have to deal with at some point. The question is, when?

The past couple months have been tough on our family. Over a month ago I started that, “Oh dear, I don’t feel very good” thought process. Within a day, I had the worst sore throat I’ve had in years. One of those, I can’t swallow because someone is taking a saw to my neck, sore throats. Fast-forward and our daughter has been battling a fever that won’t go away and our 3-month old son comes down with RSV (Bronchiolitis).

As a result, the last thing I felt like doing was writing a blog post, recording a podcast, and/or recording a short video for my new “The Writer’s Minute” Instagram series. So, I did the hard thing, and I decided not to have anything on my blog while I take care of my children, now that I’m feeling better.

Most Americans don’t like to stay home when they’re sick. They’ll put on the, “I’m okay”, hat and head into work all the same. Even though they feel awful, losing that precious PTO (personal time off) is a hard pill to swallow, so why bother I’d rather suffer.

I want to give you 3 reasons it’s okay to take a sick day and stop working.

1. It allows you to heal.

Whether you like it or not, staying home when you’re sick with the flu or something else is the best course of action anyone can take. Think about it. When your co-worker comes into the office sniffling and coughing, do you want them there? NO! You’d rather they stay as far away as possible. Maybe you’ll even put out one of those, “If you’re sick, stay home” signs on your cubicle or office door.

Now reverse that story. Do your coworkers want you there when you’re hacking up a storm? No. Do them a favor, stay home a couple of days. In-fact, you can be contagious for nearly 7 days with some viruses. Did you know that staying home gives your body permission to sleep and heal? Besides, you’ll feel much more comfortable and you’ll feel better that you’re not infecting everyone else.

2. You are given permission to rest.

This seems similar to the one above. As leaders, bloggers, and writers, we push our minds to their fullest potential to come up with something new each and every week. Taking the time to rest allows your mind to relax and recharge. Sometimes getting sick forces us to stop working so hard and allows us to finally get that needed rest our bodies crave.

Our bodies are the temples of the Lord. How we care for ourselves will show in our work. The more we allow our minds to relax and rejuvenate the better content we’ll be able to write. Don’t try and force your mind to work when you’re feeling ill. It will take you twice as long to write that paragraph than if you were feeling healthy. Relax and allow your body to rest and heal.

3. Resting gives you the power to ponder new ideas.

The past week has been rough, to say the least. I’ve either been in bed, on the couch or trying to take care of two children. One thing is certain, even though I’m resting with and caring for my kids, my mind is still thinking of new ideas.

Being sick isn’t anyone’s cup of tea. It’s a fact of life, but we can make the most of our time and cultivate new ideas. Even though we’ve said we’re not working, you can have a journal nearby to jot down some ideas for a new project or your current one. Maybe catch up on that new book you’ve been wanting to read but haven’t made the time for reading.

Doing this will keep you active in your thoughts while not exerting too much energy to create something new. Don’t write that new chapter, jot down your ideas and when you feel strength returning, begin the writing process again.

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It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to slow down and stop. Honestly, it’s the best thing your body needs from you. Continuing your hectic work-life will only keep you from getting the healing and rest you need to do your job.

Take a page from my playbook and stop working when you’re sick. Get your Kleenex, grab your favorite sicktime movie, and relax. Your body will thank you.