This is the first time I've actually stayed home from work the day I felt sick. Usually I "tough it out" for awhile to see if it's "serious." The result of the toughing-it-out policy is that one feels substandard for a long time--never really getting well.
This time, I'm feeling better after missing Friday, Monday, and today (Tuesday). Just 3 days off (plus add 2 weekend days) from work has allowed the body to focus on fighting off the virus--instead of dividing its resources between working full time and fighting off the virus.
Much more efficient job--I feel so much better and attribute it to rest and drinking lots of liquids. "Rest" being the key ingredient that I formerly shorted myself on when sick out of my old "WASP" work ethic.
Now I think that trying to never be absent is being pennywise and pound foolish. I should think of my health in the long term--all these super-efforts to go to work slightly under the weather (especially as I get older) will conspire to weaken me over time and it will be harder and harder to catch up to wellness and fitness.
If I want to work throughout my life, I need to accommodate myself and rest appropriately when I need to fight a virus or heal in any other way.
It may mean the difference between having to retire (from exhaustion) or being able to manage a long, long working career!
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