Convalescence is the gradual process of recovering strength and health after an illness or injury. When you've been sick with the flu, the days when you're no longer feverish but still feel tired and weak are your convalescence. You're getting better, but you're not quite back to normal yet.

The word captures that in-between time when you're healing but need to take it easy. A person recovering from surgery might spend weeks in convalescence, slowly rebuilding their energy. During this period, someone might be convalescing at home, resting, eating nourishing food, and letting their body repair itself.

Think of convalescence as the bridge between being sick and being well. You might be allowed to return to school but still skip gym class. You can sit up and read, but running around would exhaust you. Your body is working hard to heal, even when you're just resting on the couch.

The related word convalescent describes someone who is recovering. A convalescent home is a place where people stay while they heal, receiving care until they're strong enough to return to their regular life. During convalescence, pushing yourself too hard too soon can slow down your recovery.