BLOG: Put Your Oxygen Mask On

“Place the mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normal. If you’re traveling with someone with special needs or young children, put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.” – Flight Attendant

If you have ever traveled on an airplane, you have undoubtedly heard those safety instructions. A couple years ago, I sat next to a 12-year old boy who was traveling alone. He seemed puzzled by the instructions. He asked, “Why would you do that? Wouldn’t you want to help your kids first?” I responded, “If you can’t breathe, it would be difficult to help them. If you try to help without the mask, you could die without being able to help.”

This is not an article on airline safety. I’ll leave that to the experts. Rather, it is a call to action to advise everyone to take care of yourself so that you are better able to take care of those who depend on you. Think of all the people that depend on you: spouses, children, siblings, friends, etc. … We all have someone or several people. Then, stop to consider what good you are to them if you’re tired, sick or stressed.

I have discussions with people all the time about this. They tell me they don’t have time for exercise, or even relaxation. “I have kids” … “My children come first” … “I have to go to work/school/etc." ... My recent favorite was “Why am I always tired?”

A funny thing happens. They seem slightly offended when I tell them to make time for themselves. Then they appear to judge me for doing so—as if I’m being a bad parent or husband. They feel selfish if they make time for themselves. Ask yourself: how fair is it to your loved ones if you’re not able to give them your best self? Instead you give them a sick and tired version (no oxygen mask). So, if you think about it, it’s selfish not to. By putting your oxygen mask on first, you put yourself in a better position to be able to help those under your care.

So … Get a massage. Play hooky from work. Learn to say NO. Don’t stress over missing an event. Plan a weekend getaway. Go see a movie. Exercise. And fuel your body with healthy foods.

Your energy is one of your most precious assets. Protect it.