Want to Recover Like an Olympian? Allyson Felix Says ‘Fill Your Cup First’

Track and field star Allyson Felix shares rest and recovery tips and explains why motherhood inspired her to advocate for paid leave. Allyson Felix, mom of two and the most decorated track and field athlete in U.S. history, understands the importance of rest and recovery. Photography courtesy of Allyson Felix When it comes to national policies around paid sick or family leave, the United States falls short compared to other developed countries. Around 28 million Americans lack access to paid sick time, which disproportionately affects low-income workers and their families, particularly caregivers. A recent survey from Theraflu and Wakefield Research of more than 1,000 employed U.S. adults who care for someone in their household found that 80% of respondents couldn’t afford to take a sick day. More than half of respondents said they worked while sick because they needed the income, while 28% said that taking a sick day could put their job at risk. Working parents are often obligated to continue their responsibilities even when they’re sick. Mothers are more likely than fathers to bear the brunt of this responsibility, even in the most egalitarian households. Without paid sick leave, burnout is inevitable — whether you’re a caregiver or not. If left unchecked, burnout can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. That’s why track and field icon Allyson Felix is on a mission to help make paid sick time a fundamental right rather than a privilege. The five-time U.S. Olympian partnered with Theraflu to raise awareness for The Right to Rest & Recover Fund, which has offered microgrants to families that help offset lost income from unpaid sick days. The Fund has distributed more than $1 million in microgrants since 2021. As a mom of two, Felix knows firsthand how physically and emotionally taxing it can be to care for young children when you’re unwell. The elite sprinter specializing in the 200m, 400m, and relay events understands the impo