Holding Everyone Together While Falling Apart

All the running back and forth to the hospital—staying overnight, helping nurse my mother-in-law back to health, preparing her for discharge and rehabilitation—and somehow, in the middle of caring for everyone else, I picked up the very same symptoms Stephen had.

Now I’m here on day two of the flu.

I still have to work tomorrow. Calling out isn’t an option, especially when I don’t work again until the 10th and I’ve finally gotten my store to a place where it can run more unassisted. Everything I’ve been trying to finish is finally coming together—of course my body chose now to shut down.

So I did what caregivers always end up doing: I took a breath and made a plan.

I put together a three-day recovery remedy—not because I have time to rest perfectly, but because I don’t have time notto take care of myself. This isn’t about pushing through. It’s about stabilizing, supporting my immune system, and giving my body what it needs so I don’t crash completely.

It’s frustrating to be under the weather when life doesn’t pause. But I’m reminding myself that healing doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective. Sometimes it’s quiet, intentional, and done in between responsibilities.

Right now, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s recovery.

And I’m choosing to show up for myself the same way I’ve been showing up for everyone else.

Here’s a gentle, realistic 3-day cold recovery routine designed to support your body without forcing productivity. This is soft-life healing, not hustle wellness 🌿🤍

(Complementary care only—listen to your body and your doctor.)

🌿 3-DAY COLD RECOVERY ROUTINE

Goal: Rest, warmth, hydration, immune support, nervous system calm

DAY 1 — STOP & SOOTHE

Theme: Slow down + reduce inflammation

Morning

• Warm water with lemon + honey

• 1 tbsp ginger–clove–honey remedy

• Light stretching or bed mobility (5 minutes)

• Hot shower or steam (let the water hit your chest & neck)

Midday

• Broth-based soup (bone broth or vegetable)

• Herbal tea (ginger, thyme, or chamomile)

• Nap or full rest (no guilt)

Evening

• Warm compress on chest or back

• Another tbsp of remedy

• Early bedtime

• Optional: prayer, meditation, or affirmations

🕯️ No screens if possible. Your immune system needs quiet.

DAY 2 — SUPPORT & RELEASE

Theme: Move mucus + restore energy

Morning

• Warm tea before food

• Gentle breathing exercises (inhale nose, exhale mouth)

• Light breakfast: oatmeal, eggs, or fruit

Midday

• Steam inhalation:

  • Hot water

  • Add eucalyptus, thyme, or mint

• Warm soup or rice

• Short walk indoors or outside (5–10 min)

Evening

• Foot soak:

  • Warm water

  • Epsom salt or sea salt

• Another dose of remedy

• Journaling or calming music

🧠 Healing is active rest.

DAY 3 — REBUILD & REENTER

Theme: Strengthen gently + prevent relapse

Morning

• Honey remedy

• Warm lemon water

• Light protein-rich breakfast

Midday

• Balanced meal

• Hydration check

• Light movement (stretching, yoga, or walk)

Evening

• Final steam or warm shower

• Reflection: what your body asked for

• Early night to lock in recovery

🌱 Don’t rush back into stress—recovery finishes when you protect it.

DAILY NON-NEGOTIABLES

✔ Hydrate consistently

✔ Stay warm (especially feet & neck)

✔ Eat simple, warm foods

✔ Rest without apology

✔ Avoid sugar, alcohol, dairy (temporarily)

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE

• Fever over 102°F (39°C)

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Symptoms lasting over 7–10 days

• Worsening symptoms

✨ SOFT LIFE AFFIRMATION

My body knows how to heal.

Rest is productive.

I honor my recovery.