Giving Care to the Care Giver

It happens to all of us humans-even super humans like primary carers get sick with  flu, colds, infections.  Lurgies from the school playground that creep into your home under the guise of that cute little face you can't resist lavishing cuddles and kisses over!  One minute you're fine and the next-  ka-boom!  The illness hits you like a tonne of bricks, you can't taste food, take loud noises and your patience for those very long drawn out sentences little minds tend to be so fond of just seems completely shot!                     

The needs of older children are no less demanding with their impending deadlines for residential trips, GCSE's/SATS/Mocks (take your pick) and then the extracurricular activities -have you penned the all important football match/school play/dance recital/Tae Kwando tournament into your diary?  Even school assemblies need your time and class parties need your contributions.  Being a hands on parent certainly is full on and being the lead in their educational welfare takes it up a level, especially when you have more than one diary to manage.  But what is the best course of action when the care giver needs care to be given?

When your immune system has taken a hit and you're really feeling down and out? 

The world has to keep turning right?  'No time to be sick when you've got dependent children.'       I've heard so many mothers say.  The primary care giver will be relied upon to keep the household ticking over, kits clean, appointments attended and everybody's needs tended to and in many cases keep working outside of the home too.  According to NHS Direct the average life cycle of a cold is ten days which is rather a long time to juggle compromised health and the usual routine of family life. Therefore, strategy is key.  Follow the pointers below for tips on maintaining control over your health and household simultaneously.

• First and foremost drink plenty of water.  Allow your body to replenish lost fluids by keeping a bottle by your side all day.  Don't forget tea and fruit infused water counts towards your required daily intake.
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• Your appetite may wane and eating will often be the last thing on your mind but bear in mind food = energy and you need plenty of that when running a household.  Make it a rule to eat when the children eat, even when you feel adverse to it.
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• Keep warm. Layering up whilst out and about and in particular wearing a hat to insulate your body and retain heat will help ward off the chills and regulate your body to a more comfortable temperature. Indoors, do what feels right for you, whether that's snuggling down under layers of woollies or turning the thermostat up a little whilst in your pyjamas.  
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• Keep your timetable tight.  Limit outings to as few as possible as rest is something your body will crave during this weakened state.  How many hours of quality sleep are you actually getting?  The average night's rest should have you pulling in 7-9 hours according to The Sleep Council.
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• Taking a warm bath with some calming bath salts or suds to help ease those aches and pains is an ideal remedy to many of life's problems!  The key factor here is of course to schedule this for after bedtime.  Eucalyptus oil is known for opening up the sinuses-perfect in an oil burner if you are congested.     Try a few drops of Frankincense essential oil which is handy for reducing stress and anxiety.                                                                                                                             
• Sticking to a structure that the children in your life are used to will assist in reducing stressful situations and aid in a speedier recovery.  Just think, if your routine remains as simple and as straightforward as possible, your body will be able to reserve energy for those unavoidable situations.  The kind that emerge when you least expect, like when there is absolutely nobody else to do  afternoon school run!
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  Once you've got your energy levels up a little consider a short bout of exercise.  It may sound contrary to what you should be doing when you are ill but in fact, keeping your mind off the gloomy feeling of being out of sorts is a positive thing.  By getting your body moving, you are doing your body a great favour, as shaking off those aches and pains will gently jolt your body back into it's natural rhythm again.                                                                                              
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• Think community.  Building friendships is probably the last thing you want to do right now but tapping into your social circles and asking for help with a meal, school collection or a drop off to an extra curricular if you are without day to day help in the home can be a Godsend. 

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• Don't forget to communicate to your family.  Let them know that even their strongest super hero gets ill!  Your children can understand you better than you might think, explaining that you're feeling a little under the weather could buy you a little patience from them and assistance around the house.  Of course this tip is not applicable to very young children but even toddlers can show empathy.                                                                                                                                                               
• Finally, do keep your spirits up and remember that this cold will pass and leave behind a stronger and hopefully more resilient you. Keep in mind that a healthier you is a far more productive you!