Put the Mask on Yourself First — A Call to Self-Care

You know that all-important rule about putting the oxygen mask on yourself before you save a baby on a plane?

You have to make sure you can be capable of saving others. It’s hard to be there for others when you are gasping for air.

People sacrifice themselves for the sake of others all the time, especially their families.

I think it’s a noble cause, sure. I sacrifice myself for my family a lot too, but there is a balance.

So how do we lead our families well and make good decisions for ourselves and those we love?

We lead by actions.

We take care of ourselves.

This example, of helping yourself, is giving you more. You put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and you are more likely to save yourself and the ones you hope to save.

To take care of ourselves means we need to be aware of our own self-care.
It shouldn’t be a chore to give yourself a break every now and then. Self-care is an opportunity to celebrate yourself and your life.

Sit down, close your eyes and hear a bird sing.

Self-care looks very different from person to person. Some people may really respond well to a massage, where someone else may feel more nourished from a quiet morning with a book and a cup of coffee.

I think people are kind of bad at self care because, in general, not many people like asking for help, and that includes asking themselves for help.