HACKS for a "Mom Cold"
Thank you to Robitussin for sponsoring today's blog post. As always, opinions and content are all my own!
Oh, you're a mom and you have a cold? Too bad. No one cares. LOL! I'm kidding... kind of.
The truth is, most moms don't get a "sick day" so we when we get a cough/cold we must press on! I've compiled a list of some of my favorite ways to take care of myself when I'm sick, even when I can't just crawl back into bed for the day. You know, we've got little people to keep alive.
Tip #1: Comfy but pulled together PJ's. Hear me out. When I'm sick, I tend to stay in ratty old clothes which don't exactly make me feel any better. There's something about pulling myself together that helps me feel a little better. I don't mean full glam hair/makeup. I just mean some matching PJ's or a cozy, and clean ;), sweatshirt and leggings. Just enough effort to signal my brain that I'm still human, and not scare the mail man when he knocks on the door.
Tip#2: Only do what's NECESSARY. That's right, many of us over achieving moms believe we can do it all, and we'll still try, even when we are sick. LET IT GO! If it's not vital for survival (like feeding kids, changing diapers etc) then leave it. Your spouse can help when they get home, or it can even wait a few days. Your body really needs you to rest to heal faster, so don't drag it out by trying to do the dishes, laundry, meal-prep etc. Think about how you encourage your kids to rest when they are sick, we mama's need to do the same!
Tip #3: Tip #3: NEW Robitussin Honey Cough+Chest Congestion DM! This stuff is SO good! Taking medicine is not usually my first line of defense when I’m sick, but when I reach the point it’s needed, I love the relief from the cough+cold symptoms that Robitussin provides. It helps control your cough, helps relieve chest congestion, and thins + loosens mucus! The best part? It’s non-drowsy! With 7 kids in my care, I can’t be falling asleep in the middle of the day from a cold medicine, so that’s a requirement for me! Actually, the best part may be that it’s made with REAL honey! There are noartificial flavors or colors used which means I can feel good about using this medicine myself or grabbing the kids version if one of my little ones (age 4+!) wind up sick too. The real thing not only tastes better, but it’s better for you!
Tip #4: Movies + Rest. My mama used to say, "Don't be a hump on a log." Which is southern for stop laying around being lazy. In this case though, the challenge is to be as lazy as possible. LOL! Sorry mom. I like to make my kids a play area on the floor if they're too young to be in another room, and make myself a little command station on the couch. I have my pillow, cozy blanket, water bottle, tissue etc all in arms reach. My goal is to NOT get my kids sick (if this cold didn't come from them) so I want to keep them distracted without them laying all over me. I love to have a steady queue of kids movies I can tolerate so they can be entertained, and I can watch without wanting to claw my own eyes out. I get that we try to avoid our kids sitting in front of the TV all day, but if you're a mom of little ones, the only down time you get is when the kids are doing it too. So go on, get your slug on!
Tip #5: EASY meals! This is no time to whip out your inner chef. It's okay to reach for frozen foods you can just warm up quickly for the kids. I stick to canned soup or homemade if I still have some in the fridge/freezer for myself, green smoothies since they're obviously healthy... duh, it's green and I love utilizing the nurture life meals for the babies since they are so fast and easy! I'm not saying let your kids go crazy eating candy and ice cream, but there is a happy medium between that and making a four course meal complete with homemade apple sauce when you are sick. (Or ever if you're a mom like me)
The point is, make things easier on yourself. Take as much off your plate as you can. For most us, there will simply be things we HAVE to do, so don't force yourself to keep doing all the things that aren't necessary when your body needs a break to heal and get better. If I ever figure out who to call to get a sick day (with pay) for SAHM's I'll be sure to let you know. Until then, rest up mama, and take good care of yourself!
xoxo,
Angela