Not really how to be sick, because everyone knows we don’t need any extra help contracting an illness during the fourth (fifth?) wave of a global pandemic. Rather, this post is more on how to be when sick.
After two years of remaining covid-free during the pandemic, my body finally decided to capitulate to the virus. It put up a fight, but I think my immune system severely weakened during my trip to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. More on that later—it deserves its own reflective, thoroughly researched, and appropriately edited post (this is a professional site, after all).
While I was sick and quarantining, I realized I forgot what a drag it was to be sick. The last time I was sick was from a mystery bug in the dorms (probably something related to the fact that I—for the first and last time—was sharing a living space with men), and that put me out of commission for almost a month.
This time, however, was different. I made a commitment to taking care of my mental health, realizing that no matter what I did to alleviate physical symptoms, it was just something my body had to push through. But if you’re in the right mental state, you can get through anything. That lesson was particularly salient after spending four days in the desert heat (and cold).
Things you must absolutely do when ill
- Take a long walk
- Do not set an alarm
- Listen to good music
- Go for another walk
- Breathe deeply
- Stretch in the fresh air and sun
- Read outside
- Make jokes about your illness to whoever will listen
- Take care of your mental health
Sick can mean so many different things. For the past few days, it meant flu-like symptoms. Instead of sitting and doing nothing, doing something made me feel better and happier. Some people are always doing something, and doing being sick is a welcome time to do nothing. Either way, while your bod is suffering, give your mind something to enjoy.
You may find, like I have, being sick makes breathing more difficult (duh). I think one of the best things to do when sick is to sit outside (or the shower, if it is bad weather), and take deep breaths. Even if you can’t take a deep breath, trying will make you better.
I also look at old pictures and videos of happier times, times I will return to once the illness has passed. I promised my Coachella travel companions that I would put together a vlog of our experience while I was sick. It’ll take me awhile to finish (I’ll be lucky if I finish by June 1), but having something creative to do while sick makes being sick a lot less terrible.
Thinking about good times is also a way to remember that the best parts of life are not behind you. The most important part of a temporary sickness like this is it’s not forever. And it makes you that much more appreciative of life when you’re able to rejoin the world.
This Week’s Top 3
(I’m going to cheat and use some stuff from last week, too)
- The Ember in the Ashes series 📖 – got me through quarantine. Seriously. Couldn’t put it down.
- “Fade” by Kanye West 💿 – a Coachella re-discovery, even though Ye himself couldn’t make it to the Valley this year
- Rocky Road from Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery 🍦 – Luckily I was not too sick to enjoy ice cream. Then again, I don’t think I ever will be.