We’re in the middle of these cold winter months and sickness seems to be inevitable for so many people, including us! Catching a cold or being down with the flu is not enjoyable, but having people around to help can make it more bearable. Here are 7 things you can do today for a family or friend who is not at 100%.
1. Send a Text
When you aren’t feeling great, knowing that you are not alone provides a little pick-me-up. Sending a message is a quick and easy way to show that you care without getting off your own couch. It also opens a conversation for you to provide a more tangible need.
2. Bring Over Food
I can get hung up on bringing a meal because these days it seems like everyone has a dietary restriction or has strong likes or dislikes. However, I am learning that I typically make it harder than it needs to be. Bringing over a loaf of bread, a container of soup, or even a batch of bananas can be enough. Finding a local bakery or restaurant you can purchase a dish from is always a win too! We have a local restaurant that makes my favorite chicken salad! Picking up the salad and a loaf of sourdough from the store (or making it myself) has been my go to!
3. Offer to Help with Kids
A few weeks ago both my husband and I were feeling under the weather. Even 30 minutes of not having to be on for our kids was such a blessing. Playing at their home for an hour or two, heading to the park for the afternoon, or grabbing the kiddos for a lunch stop can provide a little more rest for a tired mom and dad!
4. Do a Load of Laundry for Them
Sickness seems to produce more laundry than a normal day. Offer to start or switch a load if you can stop over. Even better, take a load or two home to wash. Just make sure to bring it back in a timely manner!
5. Go For a Walk
Offer to meet and go for a walk. It wont be long or fast, but the company and fresh air may be helpful depending on what they are down with.
6. Clean their Kitchen and Bathroom
Similar to laundry, a clean house and clean dishes seem to get put on the back burner. If you are able to wash a pot or pan (maybe a bucket) or scrub a toilet, I’m sure you will get a thank you!
7. Be Available for Doctor Appointments
Being available is something I am finding more and more helpful. Just letting someone know you are available if they need a ride or someone to watch their children is a blessing. Be specific with your availability and keep it open so you can serve!
“Beloved, Let us love one another, for love is from God, and Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:7
Being able to live in community and support those around us is a blessing. I find that offering to help can be more than enough for some people, just knowing someone cares can mean the world. Everyone handles sickness differently and there are many different levels of sickness.
When helping the key is remembering you are doing it for the other person, not your self. Think about your specific friend or family member needs, and try to meet them there.
Let us know how you have benefitted from someone walking with you through a sickness in the comments!