Rest, an Essential Self-Care Practice

Rest is an essential self-care practice with many benefits. It refreshes and restores our energy, helps us recover, and can improve our overall well-being. Yet, why did I feel conflicted about taking a sick day when I wasn’t feeling well last week?

I had a bad cold that seemingly hit me out of nowhere. I felt tired, a little achy and was congested. A few days into my cold, I didn’t feel a 100%, but I felt better than the morning before. I debated on whether I should go to work.

Rest Felt Like a Challenge

Why was it a challenge to rest when I needed to? Did I feel like it was a sign of weakness? Maybe. There have been times when I’ve felt worse and would go to work without even thinking twice about it. I thought to myself, “I don’t feel that bad” and in the past, I would just power through.

Was it due in part to the work ethic instilled by both my parents? Did I think I was somehow letting my coworkers down by not showing up? Or, was I concerned about not getting paid for the day? Maybe I wasn’t thinking clearly because I was sick. In any case, I wasn’t practicing self-care and I wasn’t putting my well-being first.

Rest Was Best

I wouldn’t be doing anyone a favor by going to work. I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable or get anyone else sick. Eventually, I decided to stay home, but only after I showered, got dressed, went outside, started my car and even cleaned the ice off my windshield.

By that point, I would have been late, and I probably would have left work early anyway. It took all that effort before I finally came to my senses and decided to call in sick. I went back to bed and slept for almost three hours. That confirmed that I needed to rest.

Ultimately, I am glad I stayed home. Rest is what I needed most. I needed to take it easy in order to recover and heal. The work was waiting for me when I returned and I didn’t miss anything. I only wish I came to the conclusion sooner that rest was best.