Are you taking enough time to heal after illness or injury?

It’s called convalescence.

Say what? It is the act of taking the time to recuperate after illness or injury. Allowing your body time to heal and recover is so important in the return to health. Unfortunately this is not something that occurs often in the modern world.

After a massive year of stress and recurrent illness, my body told me it was time and that is exactly what I have been doing (as well as Christmas and several amazing weeks holidaying in the sunshine).

So whether you are recovering from stress, injury, illness or surgery, here are some tips to help the process along:

😴Sleep - this is when your immune system is working hardest. When you sleep, your body can focus on healing when it isn't distracted by day to day tasks. Get as much of it as you can and don't apologise for it!

🍲 Healing foods - such as chicken and veg soup or other well cooked meats and vegetables. Not only does it give you loads of nutrition but gives your digestion a break so that energy can be used to heal.

🌞 Sunshine - if you can manage a gentle walk or even sitting in the sun for a few mins your body will thank you. Not only will the fresh air and sunlight lift your spirits, your immune system will love the vitamin D to fight off those nasties.

🙇‍♀️ Relaxation and taking time for yourself - whether that is reading a book, watching tv or meditating, stress reduction is an important step for healing. When our body is producing stress hormones, our immune system is suppressed.

By allowing yourself to truly recover before getting back to your daily grind means your body is strong enough to take on everything you need it to and help prevent getting sick again.