Stay Productive When You're Sick
I've been sick for a couple months now. It's just a cold that turned to bronchitis and then a repeat of that, but it lays me low. Unfortunately, work doesn't stop just because I am sick, so what does that mean? I need to be productive still while dealing with this exhausting disease.
Fortunately, I've learned a few things over the years and I know a bit about staying productive even when feeling like crud. Here they are.
1. Rest Up
You are useless if you stay sick too long, so you need to get some rest. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it is necessary. You need to make sure you're getting plenty of sleep at night, even if this means cutting your Netflix sessions short.
I have to admit, I haven't been following my own advice. Last night, I was up until 2:30 am and then my 6 year old woke me at 6:30, so that didn't work out so well. I'm definitely feeling it today . . . so don't be like me. Get some rest.
2. Lie Down While You Work
If you are working online, it's a good idea to relax and lie down as much as possible, I find. This uses the least amount of energy and allows your body to rest up even though you're still working.
3. Outsource As Much as Possible
You can't do it all, even if you want to, when you're sick. That means you need to get other people to do it. Don't be afraid to ask for help! This is a really good reason to teach your kids to do things like wash their dishes, clothes, and cook meals. My 12 and 11 year olds are experts at making dinner when I'm under the weather (or deadlines . . . both are handy reasons to have kids who can cook).
4. Prioritize
Again, you can't do it all, so you might have to put some things off. You don't HAVE to scrub the stove and fridge today, so leave it. Decide what is most important in your day and stick to that. If you have more energy at the end of your list, you can do something else, but for now, focus on the top priorities.
5. Focus On Your Work
Trying to finish an article or blog post? The best way to be productive whether you're sick or not is to just buckle down and do it. Turn off Facebook, Twitter, and any other distractions and get it done.
I find it helps to do sprints, where I'll set my alarm for 15 or 20 minutes and just work for that amount of time. Then I'll take a 5-minute break and reset the alarm. This works well, as long as kids aren't interrupting.
What are your tricks for staying productive while sick? I can always use more!!
Recent Comments
14
Sorry to hear of your sickness Genesis. When I am sick I work in short bursts and only do the essentials.
Derek
Im so sorry that you have been sicksick for two months. Was a good advise to boost your immune system. You can try a combinations of vitamin C, B6 and E this are the best immune system booster vitamins. Another thing that you can try for bronchitis is garlic don't mind the smell chew it or chrash and add a little water then chew a piece of carrot it will clear the smell of garlic. Above all things do not forget to ask God for healing as you can only treat but God does the healing
Wishing you a quick recovery
Hope your feeling better. Are you taking your vitamins. I take an immune boost. Helps me a LOT when the flu is going around I seldom get it! My theory is ALWAYS get up get dressed and get moving! I always feel better once I get moving. If not ..like you...lay down for a bit and get up and try again! Thanks for sharing!
With four kids, I'm definitely up and moving around, but I find rest is a good thing, too. :) I definitely need to start on vitamins, this is getting ridiculous.
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Sending you lots of healing energy. Feel better soon. I think rest is important and it may mean you can't be productive for a while.
Debbie
Thank you. With four kids, I can't be completely unproductive, but rest is definitely a priority. Fortunately, my lungs are starting to feel a bit better now.