What a Bad Cold Taught Me About Slowing Down

I've been down with the cold that's been going around, and it hit me harder than I expected. For the past week, resting hasn't been optional, it's been the only thing that's gotten me back on my feet.

If you know me, you know I'm always going. Between my full-time corporate job, real estate, my art, and keeping up with family and friends, there's rarely a slow moment. Getting sick forced me to stop. No choice in the matter. And honestly, it's been a reminder I needed: taking care of yourself isn't something you fit in when you have time. It's something you have to make time for.

A few things that have actually helped me get through this week:

• Resting more than felt comfortable at first, instead of pushing through
• Taking medicine to help manage the symptoms, instead of trying to tough it out
• Mixing up Emergen-C in warm water, which has become part of my daily routine, not just something I reach for once I'm already sick

I already try to stay on top of vitamins year-round as part of taking care of myself in general, sick or not. But this week reminded me how much a small habit like a warm drink can help, too. Having a mug I like reaching for makes it easier to sit down, slow down for a few minutes, and give my body what it needs. If you're someone who could use a go-to mug for your own warm drink of choice, my mug collection has a few designs worth checking out.

Take care of yourselves this season. Rest when you need to, manage your symptoms instead of pushing through, and don't wait until you're already sick to start taking care of yourself. Your body will thank you.