And lucky for me, he has now shared it.
There is nothing worse than feeling sick on a sunny day. It has been a beautiful last couple of days, and autumn is my favourite time of the year when the sun is shining, long blue-sky days, no wind. But cabin fever sank in fast, especially for a usually bubbly and energetic 8-year-old not accustomed to being cooped up unwell.
To be honest, I’m not a much more of a patient sick person than my 8-year-old son.
The need to get out and about on a sunny day at home is nearly overwhelming. Balanced with knowledge that rest is key to recovery as well, it’s hard to sit down and know what’s the best plan of attack.
But when you are sick you need to listen to your body. While we know the many benefits on your health and wellbeing that come from being active, when you are unwell your body also needs time to get better, to rest and recover.
Take it easy, take your time getting back into activity. Follow along with what you feel is best for you. For example, instead of a run, a nice walk is a good first step back towards your running.
Maybe take the children and let them set the pace, find a playground so they can run around, and you can have a mid-walk break. These kinds of things mean you can keep moving while not overdoing things.
For this coming winter sickness season, take time to look after yourself, and your whānau. Move when you can but know it’s OK to let yourself have a break when needed, too.
By Gemma O'Neill
