Down for the Count

Photo: examiner.com

The past ten days have been a blur of stress. Two exams, a lab practical, three writing assignments, husband out of town, and a kiddo walking to the library after school by himself for the first time. So when I woke up with that all too familiar sting in my throat on Saturday, I wasn't surprised. By the time I went to bed that night, I knew I was in for it.

I immediately started taking Zicam, and once the runny nose started, I got the good Sudafed. You know, the kind you have to sign for in blood under threat of federal prison.  Like I have time to make crack. Geeze.

While I took these things to lessen my symptoms, I did little to actually help myself heal. As if getting a nasty virus in the first place wasn't a sign that I needed to slow down. As my symptoms worsened, I continued to stay up late studying and stressing about impending deadlines and upcoming exams. And it finally caught up with me Tuesday morning.

Cheek-only kisses in my house.
Photo: womenshealth.com

Fortunately I don't have class on Tuesday and my husband was home to care for Kiddo, because I was dead to the world. My body had had enough. I was achy, dizzy, stuffy, and all the other dwarfs. Aside from picking my son up from school, I didn't leave the house. I chilled, ignored my homework, and took it easy.  I watched Twilight: Eclipse. My only wish is that I didn't wait to hit rock bottom before picking myself up.

It's not as if I was oblivious to the signs suggesting I was overdoing it, and my body gave me plenty of warnings. I was burning the candle at both ends and I paid the price. If I'm honest with myself, I have to admit that I haven't been managing my time well. Assignments have been left until the very last minute, and spare time has been wasted rather than spent getting ahead. Monday night, instead of going to bed, I was up writing and submitting a paper that was due at 10p. Guess when I turned it in?  9:59p. I've never cut it that close before. And what if my internet or email had glitched? I would have been screwed! Not to mention the undue stress I put on myself.

While I'd love to say that I learned from this experience, I'm sure I will do it again. What can I say? I'm flawed. But I vow to improve in the time management department. I resolve to get ahead on my senior research project to compensate for weeks like this last one. I will make the gym a priority. I will get enough sleep. I will watch more Real Housewives. Just kidding.

Here's to days at home camped out on the couch. Although admittedly, it's more fun when I'm not sick. The silver lining? I discovered and rediscovered some great comfort foods.

When we were kids, my aunt used to make us peanut butter and honey sandwiches using Sue Bee Spun Honey. I haven't found it in any of the local grocery stores, but while at Trader Joe's the other day I saw that they carry "creamed honey" which is essentially the same thing. It has a rich, spreadable texture that is simply amazing. I ate it on TJ's Rustico bread (our favorite...we can't keep it in the house) with a little Earth Balance. It was dinner on Monday and yesterday's breakfast. Yum. Besides, honey has healing properties, right?

 

I saw these new Campbell's soup pouches the other other day and decided to pick one up. I think they are a little pricey ($3.75) considering they contain the same amount as a can, but it sounded good. It was. The hot soup combined with spicy curry helped clear my sinuses.

Hot tea! While eating at Local Sprouts Cooperative in Portland, Maine several years ago, I had some amazing minty tea. The next time we were in the area, I begged them to sell me some. They did me one better and gave me the info for the lady that makes it. I contacted her and ordered an immune defense blend (pictured above), belly mint tea (my absolute favorite), and a calming blend. She harvests organically grown plants and creates the teas herself. They really are incredible.

I'm feeling a little better tonight and hope that I am officially on the mend. And that I've learned my lesson.

Favorite foods when you are sick?