How has your approach to rest and recovery changed over time? 20 people weigh in.

The narrative around cough, cold and flu has shifted.

With cold and flu season officially upon us, there's never been a more important time to be looking after our health. And Aussies are taking things seriously.

Codral recently conducted a national survey of over 2,000 adults across Australia. 

From their findings, it's clear there is a greater awareness of the need to rest and recover – not just for ourselves, but also for our loved ones and the community. And this especially rings true for families and parents. 

It's not only about keeping things front of mind, but also being informed and actively preparing for when cold and flu symptoms strike.

Despite wanting to come together and spend more time with friends and family, the survey found almost 85 per cent of Australians are more likely to miss a social event if they are showing signs of cold and flu. Further to this, three out of four (75 per cent) said they do so to avoid getting others sick.

The findings also show a greater acceptance of someone choosing to stay home when feeling unwell. One-third of Aussies who missed social events when they were sick said this was because their mates wouldn’t mind. Rest and recovery for the win!

We're all more symptom alert than ever before.

And concern for those around us is front of mind too, given there's a heightened sense of not wanting to get others sick.

Being proactive and prepared is ultimately key – because we all want our symptoms treated faster and to recover quicker. As such, three out of four say they treat immediately or within 24 hours of symptoms first appearing. 

With these findings front of mind, we decided to ask our Mamamia audience for their thoughts and feelings. 

Here's what 20 people had to say.

How has your approach to rest and recovery changed over time?

"My social circle is a lot more upfront with sickness – if one of us is feeling a bit off and we have plans, we just pop a note in the group chat saying 'rather be safe than sorry'. And everyone gets it!"

"The last few years have taught me how important rest is. Not having something in my calendar does not mean I'm available – it just means I have no plans. I've become conscious of having time at home to rest and do things I enjoy like reading and taking care of myself."

"Last week I had planned to go to a friend's birthday, but I had to cancel the day of the event because I wasn't feeling well. I felt bad for letting my mate down, but she texted me saying: 'don't be silly! I want you to get better and also don't want to get sick myself. All the best'."

Image: Canva.

"When I was mildly sick last year, I was very grateful that I could take time out for recovery. It was mandatory that I stay home and rest. And that's a sentiment I've taken into the future."

"Since getting into fitness, I am finally learning to listen to my body – you need time for your muscles and joints to heal after a strong workout."

"I used to live quite a full life, although it was fairly sedentary. Working from home meant I had a lot of time on my hands, so I kind of became obsessed with walking! It meant I came to know the streets of my neighbourhood really well. I got to hear birdsong, smell the wood smoke and eucalyptus of winter. Although I've returned to normal office life, I've incorporated a thirty-minute walk into my days, unless it's raining. It's a way for me to connect with nature and recharge my mind and body."

"It's taken me the last few years to shake my own internalised shame around resting rather than needing to be productive all the time. The hustle culture we live in is finally shifting to value rest and recovery over 'pushing through', so my relationship with that concept has definitely improved."

"I had a cold a few weeks ago and decided it's okay to rest rather than pushing through it. Took time off work too."

"When people used to ask me – 'what are you up to today?' and I said 'nothing', I would feel guilty. Now I know that nothing can mean I have proactively planned to do literally nothing – I'm resting, I'm recovering, and I'm caring for my health."

"I have someone in my life who is immunocompromised. With that in mind, we take rest and recovery extra seriously."

"I would hope that a lot of us realise we can slow down and that it's not the most important thing to be busy so constantly…"

"I'm currently organising a 50th birthday, and in the invite I told all the guests that if they aren't feeling 100 per cent, I would prefer they don't come – I want to make sure we don't spread anything, because a good party is a healthy party!"

"I have started to prioritise my health now more than ever. My family and I exercise more, eat lots more fresh food and we implemented 'mental health days' for us to take if we need it. I even take better care of my skin, hair and nails!"

"Last year like a lot of people, I developed a really good relationship with rest. But also like a lot of people, I started 2022 with the best of intentions to try and keep some of that in my day-to-day life. I have to remind myself daily that it's okay." 

"An afternoon nap on a weekend afternoon does wonders – I recommend it!"

"My daughter had a cold last week, but luckily we had plenty of meds, tissues, a wheat pack and throat lozenges in the cupboard. I like to keep a stock of things just in case."

"I don't feel guilty or lazy for taking time to recharge. Doing nothing is 'recharging my battery' and is vital for functioning on my 'on' days."

"I have implemented a lot more self care into my routine – a hot cup of tea, a sheet mask, lighting a candle and doing meditation. Small things, but they each make a difference and make my mind, body and spirit feel restored."

"My parents are quite elderly and so being prepared for sickness has become more important. So if one of my parents is sick, I can quickly drop off the cold and flu essentials at their doorstep."

"Rest and recovery shouldn't be limited to one day off. It takes time to recover from a virus or cold. And that's one of the most important lessons I've learned over time."

Has your approach to rest and recovery changed over time? Let us know in the comments below.

Codral® allows you to own your cold, providing effective relief from the leader in cough, cold and flu, helping you get back to you.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. In accordance with Public Health Advice, anyone with cold and flu symptoms, should stay home if unwell and avoid contact with others.

Feature Image: Getty.