How To Get Your Life Back On Track After Being Sick
Welcome to the Sick Club Self Care Recovery Process - You're Not Alone
If you’ve been sick recently, first of all — welcome to the club. I spent the last week sleeping and rotting away on my couch. Whether it was a cold, the flu, or that mystery illness that knocks you out for a week, getting better and instantly going back to normal can be tricky.
In fact, that feeling of “I’m better… but I’m not actually better" that feeling is pretty common. The good news? And if your like me and you start feeling like your behind, your not, your just on the slow road to recovering.
Start Slow (Seriously)
One of the biggest mistakes people make after being sick is jumping right back into life at full speed. It's okay to not immediately go back to the gym or instantly start checking all those weekly errands off your to-do list. Your body just spent days fighting something off, so it’s okay if you don’t have your usual energy yet.
If you normally hit the gym hard, start with a walk. If your routine includes running errands all over Evansville or hopping between work, school, and after-school activities, give yourself permission to ease back in. Again, if your like me and it's your first time wearing jeans again after a week - that's okay too!
Hydration Is Still Your Best Friend
Even when you’re feeling better, your body is probably still a little dehydrated. Even if you think you can't get dehydrated because it's cold and the sun isn't out, is 100% not the case. Water helps with energy, headaches, digestion — all the things that feel “off” after being sick.
Keep a bottle with you — whether you’re at work, commuting, or warming up after stepping out into an Indiana winter morning. My thought process after being sick is "if you think your drinking enough fluids, drink another bottle of water because you're probably still behind." If water gets to be boring electrolyte drinks, tea, or broth can help too.
Eat to Refuel, Not to “Fix Everything”
After being sick, your appetite might still be weird. Mine definitely was and that’s okay. Focus on simple, nourishing foods instead of trying to make up for lost time.
Soups, eggs, fruit, toast, and protein are great options — and honestly, this is the time of year when a warm bowl of soup just hits different.
Give Yourself Grace at Work and at Home
Your brain might be a little foggy. You might forget things. You might get tired faster than usual. That doesn’t mean you’re slacking — it means you’re human.
If you can, keep your schedule lighter for a few days. If not, just know it’s okay if you’re not firing on all cylinders right away.
Sleep Is Still the Assignment
Just because you’re not stuck in bed anymore doesn’t mean your body is done needing rest. Good sleep helps your immune system fully bounce back — especially during cold and flu season here in the Tri-State.
Earlier nights and fewer late plans can make a big difference.
Get Moving — Gently
Movement helps bring your energy back, but it doesn’t have to be intense. A short walk, light stretching, or even a few minutes outside for fresh air can do wonders.
With the weather giving us one day that can be sunny and almost near to 70 and the next day it being in single digits can be hard to understand but especially hard on your body. Don't feel bad for staying inside and not going outside getting vitamin D. You're actually saving yourself from catching some type of bug the weather could create.
Remember: You’re Not Behind
Getting sick isn’t a personal failure, and needing recovery time doesn’t mean you’re falling behind in life.
So if you’re just getting back into your routine after being sick, take it easy on yourself. Also know that Evansville has several doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies to help you get back on track.
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