Self Care: The Oxygen Mask

Self care is not a luxury or an option. It is a necessity.

I used to listen to the flight attendant’s standard evacuation procedures and when they told you to always put on your oxygen mask first before putting it on your child, a little voice in my head always said, “Ya right – no way.  I’ll always do my child first”. Well luckily, I never had to test that out. And equally lucky, I have grown considerably out of that arrogant misguided thinking.

I now understand how you MUST help yourself first if you ever want to be able to help others. It is not an option. Our children are precious and by following the process and securing your well being first in a situation we are then available to help them.

You are equally precious and doing things for yourself that recharge your batteries so you can help others isn’t selfish, it’s self-love.  

It’s putting the oxygen mask on first so that you are able to be available to help others.  It is one of the most loving and compassionate things you can do – for yourself and others.

Self care is not a luxury or an option. It is a necessity.

What are your beliefs around self-care and self-love?  Where are you in your priorities list?

Sometimes we can get ourselves too low and it’s a struggle to even contemplate self care.  One thing you can do is to create your list of what recharges you. It doesn’t have to be fancy.  Pin it to your wall or post it to your bathroom mirror. When you are feeling low, pick one thing that you feel like doing from it. You will be surprised how your energy comes back up.

Some suggestions:

·        Go for a walk

·        Put your favourite song on

·        Dance to your favourite song

·        Read a chapter or two from your book

·        Make your favourite tea and drink it in the sun 

·        Have a glass of water

·        Exercise

·        Go outside and kick a ball around

·        Go for a bike ride 

·        Eat a healthy snack

·        Sit in silence

·        Enjoy a bath or shower

·        Get a massage

·        Practice gratefulness

·        Focus on your breathing

·        Take a nap

·        Spend time with your pet

·        Turn off your phone/stay away from social media

·        Call a friend

·        Treat yourself to a ‘fancy’ meal

·        Practice journaling

·        Plant something

·        Laugh

Now make your own list.  Make sure you pay attention to what recharges your batteries and what is right for you.  Everyone’s self-care is different as everyone is unique. A soak in the tub may be what recharges one person and reading a book may be what soothes the soul of another.

Self care is an act of self love.

Love yourself - it’s a beautiful and important way to be the model the world needs.

“I want to shine in this world and be the best me I can be. All those around me will have a role model to be empowered to be the best they can be.”  

Be the Change.