10 Productivity Tips for When You’re Sick of Being Sick

I’m one of those annoying people who doesn’t get sick often.

Maybe it’s because I was in medical publishing for 10 years, and I understand the importance of washing your hands—a lot! One of my jobs at book fairs was passing out buttons that said, “Please wash your hands!” in 10 different languages. 

Or maybe it’s because I think positively and my happy thoughts keep me healthy.

Or maybe it’s because I work from home and can’t get sick if I spend my days avoiding people . . . locked away . . . like a hermit. 

But unfortunately, I’ve been sick for the past 4 weeks with you-know-what.  It’s miserable, and most days I sleep for hours even though my Type A brain wants nothing more than to tackle my mile-long to-do list and crank out content like a machine. 

Maybe you feel resentful and frustrated too when you’re sick?

The world doesn’t stop just because you’ve got the sniffles. As your coach, I’m not going to tell you to stay in bed if that’ll only make you feel like a rat in a cage.

If you’re like me, then you want to squeeze in some productivity even when you’re popping DayQuil like candy.

Here are 10 tips for staying productive when you’re under the weather.

1. Prioritize Rest. Your body is your greatest asset, so take the time to rest and recover. A well-rested mind is a productive mind.
2. Set Realistic Goals. Adjust your expectations and break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks with tiny milestones. Here’s how to do it.
3. Leverage Technology. Use productivity apps and tools to automate routine tasks such as posting on social media and publishing blog content and videos.
4. Delegate When Possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Delegating tasks can free up your energy for more important responsibilities.
5. Focus on High-Impact Tasks. Identify the tasks that have the biggest impact on your goals and tackle those first. You might not get to everything, but at least you’ll know that what you’re doing matters the most.
6. Create a Cozy Workspace. Make your work environment as comfortable as possible and surround yourself with things that make you feel good. For me, that’s green tea in my favorite mug and an apple-scented candle. 
7. Listen to Your Body. Take breaks when needed. A short walk or a minute of deep breathing can refresh you enough to do a little bit more work.
8. Practice Self-Compassion. Be kind to yourself, Life Editor. Acknowledge that you’re doing the best you can under the circumstances. No one likes to be sick.
9. Communicate Clearly. Let your team, clients, accountability partners, family, and friends know about your situation. They’ll be more likely to help or show compassion if they know what you’re going through.
10. Celebrate Small Wins. Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. I like to keep a progress list so I can look back at everything I completed. This is especially motivating when simply getting out of bed is an achievement.

Send me some healthy vibes! 

I’m showing myself a lot of love while I’m recovering, and I hope you’ll be kind to yourself the next time you’re sick.

You never HAVE to work when you’re sick, but for those of us who thrive on productivity, a little forward momentum can do wonders for our well-being.

Want more strategies to get stuff done without the overwhelm?

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