Wellbeing Wednesday: The Triple Threat – Juggling Motherhood, Freelance Life, and the Flu

Welcome back to Wellbeing Wednesday. This week, the theme hits incredibly close to home, as I (and I’m sure many of you) have been completely flattened by the flu.

When you’re a freelancer and a parent, getting sick isn’t just an inconvenience; it feels like a very real crisis. The three main roles (Mum, Freelancer, and Patient) are constantly fighting for energy, and when your system is wiped out, that juggling act becomes impossible.

The Unbreakable Rules of the Triple Threat

When the flu or any illness hits, you quickly realize your usual coping mechanisms are useless. You can’t just call in sick because often there is a big event approaching which requires your focus, or only your skill set. And the small people….. well they don’t take a day off either.

Here’s some tips on potential ways to navigate this difficult terrain, focusing on survival, not perfection.

1. Redefine “Productive” (Freelancer Hat Off)

The biggest hurdle for freelancers is the guilt of stopping. When you’re ill, your definition of “productive” must shrink radically:

Before: Productive means finishing a large project and scheduling five meetings.
During Flu: Productive means getting fluids down, taking medication on time, and resting for 30 minutes without interruption. That is a win.

Actionable Tip: If you absolutely must do a few minutes of work, choose the most passive task (like simple email sorting or proofreading) and set a timer for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, stop. Your brain needs the break more than your inbox needs clearing.

2. The Power of Radical Delegation & Solo Survival (Mum Hat On)

This is not the week for wholesome, curated activities. This is the week for survival mode parenting.

Lower the Bar (Drastically): Dinner can be cereal. Toys can stay on the floor. Screen time limits? They are a suggestion, not a rule. The goal is safety and containment, not developmental milestones.
The Partner/Village Power: If you have a partner, hand them the reins—completely.

If You Don’t Have a Local Village: I often struggle to accept support from cast memebers, clients, friends, even when it’s offered, something in me says, don’t be a burden, don’t ask too much. But this week has been about learning to lean in to that support and be grateful it is there, regardless of the direction that it has come from. I have been blown away by the many messages of love and support that have come from some very unexpected sources.

Some ideas that we have tried in the past, but I’ve felt too wiped out to even ask for this week have been:

* Virtual Village: Asking a relative or friend video call the kids for 20 minutes to read them a story? Even a quick virtual distraction can provide you with just enough time to take medicine or close your eyes.

* The “Sick Day Kit”: Having a designated box of low-effort, high-engagement activities ready for your children, new-to-them colouring, a forgotten puzzle, or a movie marathon with cozy blankets. This buys you time without requiring your direct involvement.

3. Prioritize the Patient (Patient Hat On)

This is the hardest part for mums and freelancers; prioritizing your own recovery. Your body is staging a small war inside, and it needs resources.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Immediately contacting clients, students, casts being truthful about the situaiton and your expected return date. This sets an expectation and helps to reduce your stress instantly, it also may have the added benefit, that I have found this week, of eliciting support when it’s most needed.
Hydration is Your Job: Your primary task for the day is drinking water, staying hidrated. Set a reminder on your phone every 30 minutes to take a sip. Your voice and body need this to heal.
Use Your Vitals: If your flu symptoms include fever, chills, or deep fatigue, you are not failing by lying down. Your body is demanding rest. Giving in is not laziness; it’s the quickest route back to health and, therefore, back to paid work.

Being ill when the world is depending on you is isolating. Remember: The health of the mother and the stability of the primary income source (you!) are the two most important things. Everything else can, and must, wait.

Sending love to anyone who may need it today. xx

If you are currently sick, please know you are doing enough. What is the one thing you are giving yourself permission to skip this week?