3 ways to enjoy your sick day

words by chelsea dulieu

Now I’m not talking about that sneaky ‘sick day’ we’ve all pulled when we’ve gotten an offer to do something WAY better than going to work. I’m talking about those wasted days that you can’t even appreciate your bonus time off because you’re waist deep in a pile of crumpled old tissues and battling your 100th sneezing fit for the day.

With winter sneaking up on us seemingly over-night this year, the dreaded work sickness’ have already started making the rounds. Person after person taking the day off, which is ever so eye-rollingly-annoying until BAM! Welcome to sniffle town.

Once you make that “sorry I’m not going to make it in today” phone call and tuck yourself back under that fluffy doona, it’s hard to not just loose the next few days to the blessed land of nod. As difficult as it is to not lay and reminisce on those times where you took breathing through your nose for granted, here are a few ways to enjoy your flu-filled days.

Binge that TV series you’ve had on hold
Netflix, Stan, Hayu… With endless TV series at our finger tips these days, everyone has at least one show that they’ve been ‘meaning to watch’ but who has the time?? You do my little couch-ridden friend! You have a plethora of guilt-free hours ahead of you to binge to your heart’s content. Pull on your comfiest lounge wear, gather your essentials (tissues, water, snacks) and build yourself a bed-away-from-bed. Need to nap occasionally? No worries, that’s what re-wind is for.

Hit that stack of books
To be honest, even in full health this one appeals to me. I love a great book, yet sometimes between work, seeing family/friends, cooking & cleaning, the time for reading just doesn’t present itself. One day I will win the lotto and live my life amidst a pile of novels. In the meantime (and back in reality) a sick day or two is that glorious, peaceful window of time I’ve been waiting for. Fluff up your blankets into a little reading nest and climb in with a cup of tea in hand.

Cook your own remedy 
Everyone everywhere deals with sickness differently but if there is one remedy that is universal it is chicken soup. Chicken and sweet corn soup from a Chinese takeaway, 50c chicken soup mix from Coles, chicken flavour cup of noodles – they’re all good! However, if you can manage the trip to the supermarket for a few small ingredients, making your own is even better. Cosied up in an oversized jumper and stirring the pot to the boil while your home fills up with smells of ginger, garlic and chilli – everything to make you well again, is blissful. As an extra bit of fun (and because everyone claims their recipe is the best) I head to google and try out a new recipe each time. It’s true what they say – chicken soup really is for the soul.

Goodluck and we hope you get better soon.