We’ve all been there. You wake up feeling miserable, struggle through your morning routine, dismiss the fever, cough, and runny nose, and head straight to work. If you’re working from home, you might have forced yourself to stay productive when you should have stayed tucked in bed. Sound familiar? Guilty as charged.
Americans are often notorious for their inability to unwind; we are also relentless workaholics, hoarding our sick days like they’re precious rare gems. We tend to avoid taking time off unless we feel completely incapacitated. As mothers, we fear that the world will crumble if we take even a day off.
Regrettably, we’ve trained ourselves to ignore what medical professionals refer to as “sickness behavior.” In simpler terms, when our bodies are fighting an illness, they send strong signals to our brains urging us to rest. These instinctual messages tell us, “I want to stay in bed all day,” “I don’t want to talk to anyone,” and “I’m too tired to think clearly.” These mental prompts are generated by the same chemicals that signal your immune system to ramp up its defenses and attack the germs invading your body. They encourage you to rest so your body can heal and give your immune system a fighting chance to restore your health. These signals also diminish your appetite and your desire for social interaction.
“The power of these messages is undeniable,” states Dr. Mark Williams, an expert in family health at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Despite this, we often ignore these cues and push through, ultimately making ourselves worse and risking the health of those around us. A survey conducted among health professionals at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital revealed that while 95% acknowledged that coming to work sick endangers patients, 83% admitted to doing it anyway. Even those in the medical field struggle to heed their bodies’ signs.
So, what prevents us from listening?
There are several factors at play. Many of us cannot afford to miss work, particularly in high-pressure environments where one sick day could impact our career trajectory. Additionally, most workplaces lack clear guidelines on what symptoms warrant staying home, unlike daycares and schools. Cultural pressures also contribute—there’s a prevailing belief that unless you can’t physically get out of bed, you should just get up and push through. Dr. Laura Benson, a lecturer in evolutionary medicine at the University of Texas, notes that “sickness behavior” is frequently dismissed, especially for what many perceive to be minor ailments.
Unfortunately, going to work while sick not only prolongs your recovery but also spreads germs to coworkers, potentially impacting their families. The bottom line is that you should listen to your body’s signals, especially in the early stages of something minor, like a cold. If you can take a sick day, do it—their purpose is to protect your health. What qualifies as a “real” illness should be your decision, needing no justification. This includes mental health days, as not all absences have to relate to physical ailments. Sometimes, those same signals urging you to stay home indicate a need for mental relaxation and decompression.
Whatever your body is communicating, make sure to listen.
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In summary, your body sends powerful signals when you’re sick, urging you to rest and recover instead of pushing through. Ignoring these signals can lead to prolonged illness and the spread of germs to others. It’s crucial to prioritize your health and take the necessary time off when you’re unwell, whether for physical or mental health reasons.
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