It’s okay to ring in sick

It’s okay to ring in sick. Seriously.

Taking Time Off Sick – Lessons and Insights

This week I share my personal journey of dealing with illness and the profound lessons I learned along the way. Yes, my voice is rather husky but I wanted to record in a raw and authentic exploration to discuss the challenges many face when trying to balance work and health.

Key Takeaways:

It’s essential to be honest with yourself about your health and to recognise that getting sick is a normal part of being human.
The conflict is real people – this conflict often arises when we fall ill. The pressure to keep working can lead to detrimental consequences.
Don’t overwork when sick – pushing through illness not only hampers recovery but also prolongs the suffering. Take a step back and assess whether working during illness is truly necessary. Does it mean you are just delaying getting fully back to fighting fit?
Many people struggle with giving themselves permission to take a sick day or time off. I hope this pod helps you reflect on whether you believe you are worthy of rest. Resting is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for recovery.
In our hyperconnected world, it’s easy to remain plugged into work even when sick. It is so important to disconnect from work during illness. The constant availability of smartphones and social media can hinder the healing process.
Understanding Employment Contracts – make sure you review your employment contract to understand entitlements regarding sick pay. Knowing your rights can alleviate financial concerns when taking sick leave, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Women take on extra roles within households (we know this, the data tells us) women often take on multiple responsibilities, even when ill. When I was ill my husband had to step up and take ownership, if you are a single parent, you need to call on friends and family to help you lesson the load. Sharing responsibilities can lead to a more equitable work-life balance.
Sleep is a powerful tool for recovery! Don’t forget this. When sick, allowing yourself to rest and sleep is crucial for the body to heal efficiently.
Let the constant comparison fueled by social media go. If someone is posting on social about being ill and is still working it’s probably not entirely true. Taking time off is an act of self-care and should be viewed as such.

The challenge of balancing work and health is ongoing. I hope this pod serves as a reminder that taking time off when unwell is not a sign of weakness but an essential step in the path to recovery and overall well-being. So next time you are sick, think about the benefit of resting and give yourself that time. We are so often at the bottom of the to-do list, but this needs moving to the top.

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