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Being that today is probably the first day in over a week that I can actually breathe properly, I thought this would be a good topic for today. Between laying lifelessly in bed and half-praying for death, last week was a bit of a blur. One day I was working as normal, and the next I felt like I had been attacked by some kind of mutant virus intent on our destruction.

The reality is far less exciting. Flus and colds are not uncommon. They affect all of us at one point or another, and most often, with rest, fluids, and Vitamin C, we are back to normal within a few days — give or take.

But beyond the physical toll, what is not talked about nearly enough is the impact illness can have on our mental health.

The second we start feeling our energy levels return, many of us immediately rush into trying to catch up on all the responsibilities and duties that piled up during our “down time.” We expect our bodies to recover first and assume our minds will instantly follow.

The reality is that our brains need time to bounce back too.

Studies have shown that inflammation caused by chemicals called cytokines — which are released when your immune system is fighting infection — can affect mental clarity and cognitive function. This can lead to difficulty focusing, brain fog, slight memory issues, irritability, and mental exhaustion.

Dehydration can also play a role in diminished mental performance, especially when paired with fevers, poor sleep, and a lack of appetite.

In fact, experiencing a kind of mental fog after battling the flu is not uncommon at all. For some people, it can take days or even weeks before they feel mentally sharp again.

And maybe that is something we need to remind ourselves of more often: recovery is not just physical.

Sometimes healing means allowing ourselves a little grace while our minds catch up with our bodies. Rest is not laziness. Slowing down is not weakness. If your body has been fighting a battle, your mind has likely been fighting one too.

So if you are recovering from being sick, physically or mentally, do not be too hard on yourself for not immediately returning to 100 percent. Healing is still healing — even when nobody else can see it.