Self-Care

“Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.” Many of us may have heard these words countless times. But what does it mean? Why would we take the time to put our own mask on first when there may be someone in need sitting next to us? This is a great example of self-care. 

Self-care includes the more obvious things such as good sleep hygiene, proper nutrition, and exercise. While these are crucial to both physical and mental health, self-care comes in many forms and may look different for each individual. Self-care includes anything you do to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. For some, it may be taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time with friends. For others, it may be sitting quietly for a few minutes, or playing with a pet. It could even be just stopping for a moment, taking a deep breath, and allowing yourself to be fully present and aware of the sights, sounds, and smells around you. The key is in finding whatever it is that is calming and restorative for you, and setting time aside for that on a regular basis.

Finding the time for self-care can be a challenge and sometimes the thought of having to add one more thing to a busy day may seem overwhelming. We may feel guilty or even selfish for taking time out for ourselves when others’ needs may seem greater or the work towards achieving goals is weighing heavily upon us. We may be pushing ourselves so hard that sacrificing self-care may seem not only necessary but even honorable. While self-care may seem like a luxury, research suggests that self-care promotes positive health outcomes and helps us to better manage stress in our daily lives. Even small acts of self-care can be beneficial in contributing to our overall sense of well-being and resiliency.

So the next time you are in the calmer moments of your morning, or even in the midst of a busy day, don’t wait for the figurative cabin to lose pressure. Take a moment and, in whatever way works best for you, put your own oxygen mask on first.