Put On Your Oxygen Mask!
If you’ve ever flown before, do you know how they always tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before you help others with theirs? Well, one of the most essential pieces of advice I ever received was from my therapist while my daughter was having her mental health struggles. She told me that if I didn’t care for myself, I couldn’t take care of her. Then she used the oxygen mask analogy; just like when you’re told to put your mask on first, taking care of yourself is like putting on your oxygen mask so that you can help others.
Well, as a mother, putting yourself first is almost impossible. It’s just not in us. However, I understood the importance of what she was saying. I needed help learning what self-care looked like because it wasn’t talked about as much then, and mothers tend not to do what’s necessary for themselves because it feels like they are neglecting others.
We as a society have to get that idea out of our heads! YOU are essential whether you are a mother to children, a cat or dog mama, a mama of any pet, a daughter, a wife, or a friend. And not just mothers…DADS, husbands, brothers, sons…..I see you out there! YOU can put yourself first to help you rise and get through challenges. The little things you do for yourself will significantly impact those around you and, ultimately, you too!
My Lucky 7: The Seven Best Ways to Practice Self-Care
- Time to Decompress….(sigh)
- Trying different things to help bring you down from a heightened emotional, mental or physical state (quiet time, listen to favorite music, watch a movie or show)
- Using Methods of Distraction
- Give your mind a mental, emotional break (go for a drive, have coffee or lunch with a friend, play a game, read a book)
- Practice Mindfulness
- Spend time in nature, practice yoga, try guided meditation
- Make Time for Therapy
- Make sure you have a good connection with your therapist and check in to keep YOU in check!
- Feed Your Body to Feed Your Mind
- Eat healthy foods, but don’t forget to indulge in your favorites every now and then too!
- Let Your Spirit Shine!
- Turn to your faith and let your spiritual journey guide you and support you!
- Get Up and Move!
- Yes, exercise, even a 10 minute walk, can do wonders for you. Or put on your favorite music and dance! Anything to get you moving!
As you learn what methods of self-care work best for you, you will find what you keep going back to because you will notice the feeling you get from it—calm, restored, clarity. But don’t be afraid to try new things, too! I never would have known that watching/listening to YouTube ambiance videos in the background while doing other things is calming for me. I stumbled upon them when looking for just a plain fireplace video.
I discovered that I can transport myself just about anywhere by watching YouTube videos on my TV in the background! Want to be by a lake listening to birds? Go for it. Rather be by the ocean and have the waves come in and out and soak your worries away? No problem. It’s one of many ways to distract and/or decompress, depending on what you need.
Below is an article about self-care that includes a visual of ways to practice self-care. Try some and find what works for you.
YOU matter! YOU CAN RISE!