It’s that dreaded time of year again—sick season. The constant cycle of sniffles, coughs, and fevers that hits our house like a freight train. I’m in full survival mode, as my kids pass germs back and forth like its their job. First, it’s my youngest with a cold, then my older one comes home with the flu that makes me fear for the rest of the house.

As moms, we’re expected to function through the chaos—cleaning up messes, monitoring temperatures, and disinfecting every inch of the house. Meanwhile, we barely have the energy to think, let alone take care of ourselves. There’s no time for a break when the kids need us, but let’s be honest: it’s exhausting. I’ve cried, I’ve felt like I’m losing it, but the truth is, we keep going because we have no choice.

Here’s what I’ve learned: it’s okay to not have everything together. It’s okay to ask for help or take a breather when you can. Sick season doesn’t need to be a Pinterest-perfect moment; sometimes, it’s just about surviving with a little grace. Whether it’s leaning on your partner, venting to a friend, or simply stealing a few minutes of peace, self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate.

So to all the tired, overworked moms out there—you’re not alone. We may be running on fumes, but we’re getting through this one sick day at a time. And if we can survive this, we can survive anything.