Why I chose rest.

I’ve just come off the back of a nasty flu. The kind that wipes out your energy, your motivation, and any momentum you felt in your training.

I tried to train last week, but it felt heavy, mentally and physically.

So this week, I made the call to fully rest.

Not scale back. Not “just move.”

Proper, intentional rest.

As lifters, athletes, and goal-driven people, rest can feel like going backwards. But sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is listen to your body instead of pushing through.

So, if you’re feeling the same, exhausted, flat, or frustrated after being sick, here’s how I’m mentally resetting:

5 Ways to Mentally Reset Post-Sickness:

1. Reframe the narrative

Instead of “I’ve lost progress,” try: “I’ve gained clarity.”

This is a chance to rebuild smarter.

2. Shift your goals temporarily

Maybe it’s just about showing up. Moving your body. Feeling better. PBs can wait.

3. Don’t chase what you were doing

meet yourself where you are

What your body needs right now is support, not punishment.

4. Use this time to check in with your mindset

If you struggle with guilt around rest, why? This is an opportunity to grow mentally, not just physically.

5. Remember: You don’t need to earn rest.

Your body has been working hard behind the scenes to recover. Respect that work.

I’m slowly starting to feel more like myself again, but I’m easing back in with intention. I’m not trying to “bounce back.” I’m rebuilding with respect for what my body’s just been through.