Having to take time away from dance practice is the absolute worst. Unfortunately, back to school and back to dance collide with seasonal illnesses that aren’t always avoidable. Chances are, the fall flu is going to cause you to miss a couple of days of practice.
Listening to your body and recovering fully are important. It can feel like the whole world is moving along without you while you are stuck in bed, surrounded by cough drops and tissues. But once you start feeling a bit more like normal, keeping up with the recovery phase is just as important as the sick days. As much as you want to get back to dance, rushing into it right away isn’t a good idea. It leads to a higher chance of you getting injured or burnt out.
Ease Back into Dance Slowly
It can be so tempting to jump right back into dancing the second that you stop sneezing, but your body is still trying to recover and build energy. Start off with light nighttime stretching or simple leg holds before going back to combos and leaps. Don’t forget to let your teachers know that you are recovering and are trying your best with the energy that you have.
Focus on Staying Hydrated
After spending days blowing your nose, sneezing, and coughing, your body has been through quite a bit. It is also dehydrated. At this stage, it is more important than ever to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. If your throat is still hurting, drink a smoothie or sip on some hot tea (put in some honey for extra benefit!). Drinking lots of liquids helps to get those toxins out of your body, so you can get back to being healthy and dancing as soon as possible.
Refuel with Foods that Matter
Being sick takes a lot out of your system, so it is important to eat food that gives you an energy and nutrient boost. Eating lots of colorful veggies, fruits, and protein such as chicken, tuna, and tofu will help you restore your system. If your appetite still isn’t quite normal yet, try some smaller meals, like smoothie bowls, oatmeal, or soup.
Keep Up on Sleep
Just because you are feeling better, it doesn’t mean that your body doesn’t still need rest. Take naps, go to bed earlier, or sleep in. Making time for extra rest will help you get back to normal faster. When you are asleep, your muscles and immune system recover and improve. Sleep is a necessity!
