Prioritize You!

You know the drill: You’re buckled into your too-small economy seat for your impending flight. You are attentively following the seat-back guide as the dutiful flight attendant reviews essential safety procedures for impatient and bored passengers. Today, let’s focus on the part that says, “In the event that cabin pressure changes and oxygen masks are released, please put your mask on FIRST, before assisting your loved one with theirs! The reason being?

BECAUSE, to effectively assist others, you need functioning faculties! Yes!

Today’s lesson is, Self-care begins with us! There, I said it. Do I always follow this? No, I do not! Should I regularly practice this? Yes, and you should too!

WHY?

Exhaustion is a sign of overuse! Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury afforded those without responsibility, a budget or a crazy-busy life. It is essential to our well-being, health and quality of life. As a human with any level of compassion, you reflexively reach out to help those who need it. I am reminding you that YOU are one of those people!

You are worthy of your own care, concern and attention. Please do not confuse self-care for indulgence. Resist feeling guilty for looking out for not only your survival, but opportunities to thrive! You deserve down time, solitude, reflection, enough sleep, seeing your doctor or therapist, sitting down to eat, unhurried trips to the gym, and saying “no!”

Since most of us perform at an amateur level when it comes to self-care, I challenge you to up your game! Your behavior is your personal example to others how you should be treated. Begin with your calendar that we’ve talked about previously. Schedule important-to-you activities or non-activities so they are more than a passing thought when you are adding something to your to-do list. Set alarms to remind you to drink enough water or eat lunch. If your impulse to neglect takes over, hit re-set! Keep trying! When is the perfect time to embrace self-care? Now would be good!