I got an email from a follower on my website that I wanted to share with all of you.

Dear Hayley,

I got sick this week for the first time in YEARS! I’ve gotten colds here and there, but nothing like this. It hit me like a ton of bricks. On Sunday, it was a lump in the back of my throat that I mistook for overusing my voice. By the time I woke up Monday morning, it was a 103 temperature, complete with chills, aches, mushy head, and all my body wanted to do was sleep. I figured with all the years that I’ve been relatively healthy, nursing myself through colds while still going to work, I had earned enough brownie points to justify staying home, at least while my fever was up. I mean, that’s when you’re contagious right? But no one wanted to hear about it when I called out and canceled appointments! I explained the high fever and it didn’t phase anyone! On Tuesday, I had a date planned but I still had a 103 fever. Still, my roommate asked if I was still going on the date. WTF?! Forget that I felt like crap, he has a job and 2 kids – I’m not going to expose him to my plague! Isn’t this how colds and the flu spread? Because people who are actively contagious with them keep going out and giving it to others?

So… how do I handle this? How do I deal with people who don’t seem to understand that when I’m sick that I really need to stay home and take care of myself?

P.S. My fever passed in just 2 days. I am almost completely sure that it’s because I took the time to rest.

The truth is, and I’m not trying to brag about this, but it’s just been so long since I’ve gotten sick, I haven’t had to deal with this issue personally. However, I know plenty of people who do.

If you know your body, you KNOW when you are truly sick and when it is time to go easy on yourself.

It is really sad that our American culture doesn’t get that we are all human beings and when we get sick the only way to REALLY get better is to give ourselves TIME to heal. But nobody understands that. We’re all moving at such breakneck speeds, the thought of stopping to listen to our bodies is almost a joke. There is absolutely no empathy, no patience, and no tolerance. Instead, you are expected to load up on over the counter meds that mask the symptoms so that you can get back to your busy life. Meanwhile, you’re still contagious. You’re out in the world, sharing your flu with everyone you come in direct contact with, everything you touch, which is then sharing it with a whole bunch more people you’ll never actually see.

You’re also prolonging your own healing. So, here’s what I want you to do when you get the kind of sick that demands that you stay at home.

1. IGNORE THE NAY-SAYERS!
You are the only person who knows what your body needs and you are the only one who is going to take the best care of it. Anyone that can’t understand why you are listening to your body and need to take care of yourself is obviously not in touch with their own. Don’t let their shortcomings rock your boat. You know what’s best for you. Let your own voice be the loudest one you hear.

2. REST, REST, REST
The number one thing you need when you have the flu is rest. Your body is telling you to sleep – sleep! The laundry may pile up, the dishes may go undone, maybe your spouse needs to look after the kids for a couple of days. Maybe you need to hire a babysitter to look after them if a spouse just can’t do it. The bottom line is that the only way your body is really going to recover is for you to let it rest.

3. KEEP FLUIDS FLOWING
While you’ve got a high fever, you probably won’t feel like eating much of anything. That’s okay, with all the resting you’re doing, you don’t need a ton of calories. But you do need to stay hydrated. Get your spouse to make a green shake and add some Skoop – packed with vital nutrients, it will keep you hydrated and deliver the vitamins and minerals that are so important to your healing. For a warm, soothing tea, blend ginger, cinnamon and lemon essential oils and a little raw honey in some warm water. Ginger and cinnamon are natural antibiotics and lemon will help to cleanse your system of the toxins that are making you ill. Keeping fluids that are tasty when they are warm around will be helpful if you feel yourself developing congestion.

Ultimately, you want to take such good care of your body that you never get sick. It is possible! I do it every day!

But, sickness is a part of the human experience and when it comes your way, be good to yourself. Be gentle and forgiving. @hayleyhobson (Click to Tweet!)

Listen to your body and give it what it needs. And really, don’t let anybody else’s opinion decide how you’re going to take care of yourself.

Got remedies for when you have the flu? What’s your go to warm beverage recipe? How do you handle the nay sayers? Share your comments below.

XO Hayley

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, business coach, yogi, Pilates instructor, and holistic nutritional expert based in Boulder, CO. Her unique and intelligent style promotes strengthening while softening—empowering her clients to heal not only their physical bodies but their hearts and minds as well. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Image courtesy of: Microsoft