When Your Body Demands a Pause (Whether You Like It Or Not)

First published 30 October 2025

I’m writing this from the sofa, surrounded by tissues, feeling slightly sorry for myself and completely convinced I’m suffering from terminal man flu.

In reality?

I’ve got a cold.

A fairly minor one at that – bit of a cough, bit of a sniffle.

Nothing dramatic (well, other than the fact it’s me that’s got it!)

But here’s the rub: it’s completely floored me.

I haven’t had a cold in ages, and I’d genuinely forgotten how rubbish they make me feel.

More than that, though, I’ve been reminded of something (how I forgot is a mystery!) – I am absolutely terrible at being ill.

You know the type.  The person who insists they’re fine, whilst clearly not fine.  Who keeps working through it.  Who feels guilty for resting.  Who thinks lying on the sofa watching rubbish telly is somehow letting themself and everyone else down. Sound familiar?

Your Body Knows What It’s Doing

Here’s the thing, our bodies understand even when our minds continue to resist: illness is information.

It’s your system’s way of saying, “right, that’s enough, we’re taking a break whether you like it or not.” (and how many times have I reminded a friend or client of this – so the irony is not lost on me!)

The Lung meridian (which governs the respiratory system) is intimately connected with grief, letting go, and boundaries.

When we push through, ignore our needs, and refuse to pause, our lungs sometimes make the decision for us.

Your immune system isn’t betraying you when you get ill – it’s actually working brilliantly to protect you.

The fatigue, the need to rest, the foggy brain that makes you useless at anything productive?

That’s not weakness.

That’s your body redirecting all its energy towards healing.

The Self-Care You Actually Need

The trouble is, we’re all different.

What helps me recover might not work for you at all.

So instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, here are some options to explore:

• For the rest-resisters: Give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing guilt-free.  Your body needs this more than your to-do list needs ticking off – no matter how hard this may be to put in practice.
• For the comfort-seekers: Create a proper nest – blankets, pillows, favourite mug, terrible TV.  Make being ill as pleasant as possible.
• For the nurturers: Ask for help.  Let someone bring you soup.  Accept that casserole offer.  You’d do it for them.
• For the natural remedy lovers: Try what resonates – ginger tea, steam inhalation, vitamin C, whatever your body tells you it needs.
• For the gentle movers: When you’re ready (not before), a short walk in fresh air can work wonders.  Listen to your body on this one.

The real question isn’t “what should I do?” but rather “what does my body actually need right now, and am I brave enough to give it that?”

If we reframe it as being brave rather than weak, we may actually recover quicker than if we continue to berate ourselves.

Your Challenge This Week

Whether you’re fighting a cold or not, I’d love you to check in: what does your body need that you’ve been ignoring?

• More rest?
• Better boundaries?
• Time to slow down?
• Permission to feel a bit rubbish without apologising for it?

Find one small act of self-care ‘thing’ that actually works for you – not what Instagram tells you self-care should look like – and give yourself that gift.

Your body is always talking.

Sometimes it’s a whisper.

Sometimes it’s a shout.

Either way, it’s worth listening.

Take care of yourself,

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Yes, I’m taking my own advice. 

The laptop is going away, the sofa is calling, and I’m giving myself permission to be absolutely useless for a bit. 

Revolutionary.

I’ll see you when I am feeling less useless again!