How to Overcome Productivity Guilt When You’re Sick
Vol. 2, Issue 3
Being down with the flu wasn’t in my content calendar. Actually, I never had the flu before.
As a woman who blogs about self-love and mindfulness, you might think this post will be about the importance of rest. You might expect a soapbox to slow down to heal in a world that constantly demands your attention. But honestly? I had a human moment.
I didn’t sink into a state of “zen acceptance” right away. I didn’t have a candlelight recharging journaling session either.
I was frustrated.
While I was lying in bed, the “guilt” of falling behind on my pageant goals and content creation crept in. For a hot second, everything I preached slipped away from my memory while the world kept spinning without me.
But in that stillness, something I believe in at my core got louder: Luxury is a disciplined mind.
Here are the lies that tried to hijack my thoughts, and the truth I found instead.
Lie #1: I am losing fuel.
When I started sniffling on Sunday, my mind immediately went into overdrive, thinking about everything I now had to pause. In the days that followed, I went to the doctor, and they confirmed I had the flu. Instead of getting ready for pageant appearances, which I had to cancel, I was now tasked with taking my medicine and eating soup. I couldn’t even fulfill my day of recording because I didn’t have the energy. I felt like I was failing. It wasn't the fear of what others would think, but the fear of losing fuel.
The Truth: Motion doesn't vanish; it deepens when you reconnect to your intention.
Momentum isn’t speed; it is direction plus commitment, and when you are sick, both can still exist. When you reflect, you realize that what you are afraid of losing isn’t progress, it's rhythm. When your body heals, rhythm can always be re-established.
Simply put: You are not stalling. You are sick.
Lie #2: I can push through this.
Listen to your body; it doesn't like to be ignored. Ignore it now, and it will surely cry for help later.
At first, I really thought it was just a cold. But the sniffles turned into body chills and a tight chest. I kid you not, in that moment, I felt like I had to say my goodbyes. After going to the doctor and getting the results, I knew I had two choices: fight it and try to push through, or surrender.
I chose to surrender. I changed my status to let others know, "I am sick, and you are going to have to wait," and tucked my phone in the nightstand. And it felt good, no guilty feelings at all.
The Truth: These are the moments to lean into being a compassionate, caring mother to yourself.
Mothering myself through this process meant facing that old "people pleaser" tendency and telling her, "she can't come out right now". Like most of us, our phones are our connection to the outside world, and I realized just how much I use my phone to draft emails, clarify meeting details in group chats, design posts, and, not to mention watching lessons on YouTube University.
Moments like this solidify that my people-pleasing tendencies are slowly breaking. It felt good to be free of my phone and embrace the stillness. In fact, I am committed to scheduling days like this, phone tucked away all day at least once a month.
Lie #3: Jumping back into maintenance has to happen all at once.
Not only did I feel behind on my goals, but I was also stressing about my cleaning and beauty maintenance routine.
The Truth: Coming back from the flu doesn't mean you will feel 100% better right away. Give yourself the space and permission to ease your way back into your world.
Usually, I am on a strict program, but I permitted myself to break my tasks into three. There is no rush, as long as it gets done. Wash hair one day. Curl and pin the next. Start on your nails, pause, and come back to finish them later. Laundry can be split for three days as long as it gets done. The goal isn't to wear yourself out; this is temporary, not your new routine.
This isn't hindering your discipline; it is building your stamina back up. And I am okay with that.
Truthfully, jumping back into hard fitness isn't recommended right after being sick. But a little Qi Gong allowed me to move my body, softly.
The Reminder
This article is a small reminder for when you are sick or forced to stop. Remember, it is okay that your world is on pause. You are not losing motion. You are healing. And sometimes, the most disciplined thing you can do is rest.
