Fasten Your Own Oxygen Mask Before Helping Others
You know the safety demo on planes when they tell you to put on your oxygen mask before helping others?
As a kid flying with my parents, I remember thinking,
“Of course I’m going to help my mom and dad first!”
The flight attendants would repeat over and over — put YOUR oxygen mask on first. But my child-mind figured I’d be a better son if I took care of my parents before myself.
The flight attendants are strict about this instruction for a reason.
By always putting your own mask on first, you make sure you won’t run out of air while trying to help others. You ensure you’ll be awake enough to then assist others.
Though it seemed counterintuitive as a kid, I now understand that helping myself first is the only way to have the capacity to effectively help my parents.
This oxygen mask rule is the perfect metaphor for self-care.
Just like on an airplane, you have to “secure your own mask” first before assisting others.
Make time for sleep, breaks, boundaries, and saying no when overwhelmed.
Not because you’re selfish, but because caring for yourself grants you the energy to better care for others.
The next time I question if I should take a break, I’ll remember the oxygen mask rule.
By prioritizing self-care, I nurture my ability to give back.
And what better way to show my parents love than being the best version of myself?