To ask how you switch off and rest?

[y0rkier0se]

I’m ill - awful chest infection which isn’t getting better. I’ve been to the doctors (twice) and I’m off work. I’ve tried staying in bed but I can’t sleep. I’m so so tired but just can’t seem to sit and “rest”, I’ve moved all the furniture out to clean the radiators and skirting boards currently. I have a stressful job and colleagues talk about having a chill weekend and staying in PJs but I just can’t do that! I’ve tried reading a book but can’t help but look around and see what needs to be done. Am I alone?

Hot chocolate, cat snuggles, and watching QI or other comedy panel shows on Netflix

Ah I'm so like you, OP – I can't just lie down and do nothing!

Here's my strategy (honed after years of battle with my own internal box of frogs)

Make a list of the things that need to be done and put each task in your calendar for at least 2 days away. Then at least you know you'll get to them.

Download Headspace and choose a meditation to bring your energy levels and thought spirals down a bit – there are some on there designed especially for when you're stressed / unwell / having trouble sleeping.

Then I find doing something with my hands helps keep the fidgets away - I'll put on a podcast and either do a jigsaw puzzle or something crafty – last time I was sick I listened to 17 hours of podcasts and made funny homemade cards out of magazines to send in the mail for friends 'just because', sewed some ugly stuffed animals for friends' new babies, and knitted a TERRIBLE scarf for DP (my first time knitting and it's an utter shitshow, but he loves it because he's an angel and indulges my weirdnesses)

That way I feel like I'm doing things, but they're things that take minimal energy, will bring some joy to other people, and that I wouldn't normally get the time to do.

I'm also in bed on week 3 of a chest infection. I feel truly awful physically which is the only thing stopping me from getting up and doing some of the stuff that needs doing around the house (which by now is mounting up). I'm up to date with all the TV stuff I watch (for the first time ever). I've read a couple of books. I'm now very bored and although I'm bloody knackered I can't really sleep either.

I ordered some false autumn leaves and florist wire from amazon this morning. I figure I can sit and thread the leaves on and make some sort of autumn decorations whilst sitting in bed as it won't be too taxing. Something to do anyway. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Hope you feel better soon op

This is me. I cannot switch off, ever. I'm part time freelance in the Arts, part time university teacher - I could spend my life researching and i'm constantly bloody thinking. I can't read fiction anymore or watch TV. After 15 minutes I'll think..."I'll just look into x y z", do a batch cook, Marie Kondo my room etc etc". Always have to be doing!

Long term, you need to start meditating. It sounds like you are wired and your brain is not used to taking a break. You need to teach it how. Start off with 5 minutes...YouTube and Headspace are great. I started off with 30 minute guided meditations and frequently fell asleep which isn't ideal. Also try and avoid tech as much as possible. Put your mobile and devices in a different room or better yet, let them go dead for a few days.

I really find those adult colouring books relaxing. Maybe because i'm doing something but part of my brain gets to switch off. Yoga is also a Godsend. Yoga With Adriene on YouTube has videos for when you are ill. If you do the Yoga and Meditation first it takes care off the rest. Also, playing relaxing music on Spotify is good. I like the Coffee Shop Playlist. You can get an account for free if you don't mind listening to the ads and listening on shuffle.

For your chest infection, try and get lots of steam into you but don't use a lot of mentholated products as they only dry you out further. Popping some thyme into the bowl of hot water is good. If you aren't vegetarian try and make (or get someone to make you) chicken soup made with a chicken carcass or bone in chicken, aka Jewish Penicillin. Plenty of tea and hot drinks. Don't use cough sweets (again they will dry you out), any boiled sweet is better. Pineapple juice is great, also honey and ginger. Once you feel up to it and the weather is ok, wrap up warm and go for gentle walks. 15 minutes twice a day is great as and when you are able. You need to rest in bed sometimes but not too many hours at a time as this won't help the infection in your chest to clear, especially if you are lying flat.

I really hope you get better soon!

There’s some amazing advice on here, thank you much! I’ve downloaded the “headspace” app that someone up thread recommended, thank you! And I’ve watched two episodes of a tv programme

Also I had no idea that menthol things would make it worse so thank you shadylady & i’ve had some pineapple! Thank you

If I was up to moving furniture and cleaning skirting boards, I'd be at work. On the rare occasions I am off work sick (twice in the last five years, once for three days, once for two) I am unable to do much other than sleep and perhaps get from the bed to the sofa.

I've also mixed the vix and sent the boyfriend out for some pineapple.

DonkeysandZebras, this is my 3rd day off sick in 7 years of work so I don’t take days off lightly, if I had an office job I’d probably have gone but I need to be quite energetic at work and I didn’t have that in me today! I actually feel so much better this evening and I’m hoping to get some sleep tonight so I can be back tomorrow

Watch a boxed set.

No problem, just glad to hear you are feeling a bit better!