Silver linings and a positive mindset- Retaining momentum in adverse circumstances - and allowing rest.

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

2 little lines on a plastic indicator- only one that morning. The morning I in fact posted on my Instagram page an outfit of the day- even going so far as to say I was feeling pulled together and great even! That same afternoon, having felt increasingly peaky through my day at work- whammo. Positive covid test. 

We thought we'd managed to avoid catching it from our girls post Sydney, as they both came home with the virus. They'd returned to school and we were okay ish. Nope. Darn. And I'd been so consciously feeding my body the nutrient dense flu fighting and antioxidant rich foods I knew would help, I'd been taking a potent Ginger, Turmeric, black pepper and lime tonic, hydrating, exercising, resting. Infact, I was feeling more on top of my game than I have for several months- fitter, healthier and a couple of pounds lighter. So, initially I was frustrated, but that afternoon felt well enough to head straight out for a walk having got my workload covered for the remainder of the week, dreaming up all the productive, useful things I could accomplish during my 5 days isolating. 

That night was the worst night I can remember in YEARS. My skin burned and prickled, my joints ached, my head pounded, throat was sore and dry and my body temperature was considerably elevated. 

The following morning finally dawned in a tangled mess of too hot linens and I was in absolutely no state to begin even the gentlest, simplest of tasks I'd wanted to get on to. 

I had no choice but to reevaluate and re asses what I was capable of, where I stood in terms of my best and quickest chance of recovery, and how not to let this unfortunate setback (Still very mild by some peoples standards) throw me off course and spoil any recent progress I'd been making. 

Bottom line was, my body was telling me to rest. SO, for the first time probably since student days, I watched a movie mid Morning, read my book and other than some light laundry and food preparation, that was it. The following few days were much the same- no more movies but reading in the garden, gentle walks along the beach, no housework to speak of and only light cooking and laundry duties. My husband and I came down with our symptoms at exactly the same time so while we were both feeling rather miserable, it was comforting to have company and go through it together. 

Yesterday, not wanting to leave it too long and perhaps being a little impatient, I tried a gentle workout in the gym at home- after 8 minutes I was sitting on the floor with my head between my knees dizzy and nauseous.  My body was giving me a very firm message. 

So, I'm listening. I've tried to keep my diet to a very healthy, nutrient dense one - allowing some comforting treats to be enjoyed and savored as part of the recovery package. I've tried to get plenty of sleep- or at least rest at night- coughing etc considered.  I have gently moved my body each day but nothing which elevates my heart rate too much or requires unreasonable time or effort. Enough to keep the blood pumping and my mind happy while allowing gentle recovery. Short, flat walks, fresh air, gentle stretching, and lots of hydration. 

I haven't thrown in the towel on my regime, I've adapted temporarily. This enforced rest has allowed me unexpected time with my husband, time to read more, rest more, just pause more- sit and watch the birds, feel the breeze. I feel confident that as I haven't asked too much of my body- through impatience and frustration, I will hopefully make a full recovery faster, and therefore get back to the things I enjoy and fuel and energize me quicker. 

I'm grateful that while these things are never ideal, the timing could have been far more disruptive, and our symptoms far more sever. I am also grateful for the team of lovely people I work with who just stepped up, took care of things, and checked in to see how I was doing regularly. 

I feel I am starting to turn a corner today, but I'm mindful not to rush. Small tasks are quite taxing so a full working week with extra curricular activities, events, engagements and exercise will be a whole new level.  Racing to work for Monday when one more day may be just enough to get me over that last bump is something I'm not ruling out yet. 

For now, I'm thankful for the thinking space its provided, the enforced down time, and my strong healthy body fighting it off so efficiently. Its actually been quite refreshing to have a couple of entirely make up free days and to wear exactly what felt comfortable and comforting. I love my clothes and enjoy what I have in my current wardrobe, but I rarely wear active wear/ lounge wear unless I'm being active or after a bath in the evenings. Sometimes that's okay too  ;-)

We ventured to a dramatic local Westcoast beach this morning, while it was lovely to feel the cobwebs blown away, our ears rung with the blustery winds and a short walk was enough. Lovely to still appreciate the beauty and feel the warm autumnal sunshine tho. 

A warming turmeric and ginger latte and the end of a novel I'm enjoying snuggled up is in order now, then a simple, healthful dinner of roast pumpkin, rocket and haloumi.