Today I have learned that as mothers we are pretty amazing. We look after others, when we could do with looking after ourselves. When we get back to 100% we wil be able to do all the things we can’t while we are unwell. Until then, we need to take it easy, and be kind to ourselves.

My cold/flu has been coming and going for the past few weeks. When I was really unwell, my hubby would stay home from work to look after the kids. Now it’s tough because I am well enough that I can be out of bed, but not well enough to have the energy to keep on top of the house.

I must be feeling better and am not too sleep depreived because I am itching to clean up the house today.

Isn’t it interesting how our physical health and mental health has such a big influence over everything. It is common sense really, but it is something that we often overlook when our reserves are depleated. It isn’t until we recover to our “normal” selves, that we realise that our “get-up-and-go” had gone on a holiday.

Here are some simple tips, for when your “get-up-and-go” decides to have a “walk-about”:

• Get enough sleep! Turn off that TV, log off your computer, start the kid’s bedtime routine earlier. If you are waking during the night for your children, that is even more incentive to make sure you get to bed early. Set a time, and stick to it!
• Eat your veges and fruits and have plenty of water! I am pretty good at making sure my kids have their water with their meals, and provide vegetables and fruit to eat during the day, but I need to work harder to  get my recommended amounts.
• Relax your way into the day! Avoid the rude awaking of your kids demanding breakfast by getting up a bit earlier than them and just lay there in your bed for a few minutes and relax.
• Take it easy! If you’re unwell, be kind to yourself. Realise that you won’t be able to do everything that you wanted, but pat yourself on your back for the things that you do do. There is no such thing as “sick leave” when you’re a mother, sometimes we just have to keep on going when we are sick. It might be that you get blankets and pillows and snuggle up with your children and read books and watch a movie together.
• Accept help! Gasp! I don’t tend to ask for help, unless I really really need it! “I’m fine” is my automatic answer most times. But maybe next time a friend says, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” I could say “You know, dinner time is pretty crazy, so any help in that department would be awesome…even if it just the rice or salad.”