Have you ever flown a commercial airplane? “Of course,” you answer, “but, beyond getting away from the stress of everyday life, what does that have to do with self-care?”
Imagine this common scene, if you will. At the beginning of every flight, a flight attendant tells you that, should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling. The flight attendant then advises adults to put the mask on themselves first and then take care of anyone who needs assistance. Why? Because, if you hope to help others, you must first ensure that you’re capable of doing so.
To me, this a great example how important self-care is for everyone. If you don’t take care of yourself first, how can you possibly expect to care for anyone else?
Self-care is necessary to caring for others
“But wait,” you say, “that sounds awfully selfish of me.” In fact, caring for yourself first, which will enable you to care for others, is the opposite of selfish. Just read what Dr. Andrew Weil has to say about the concept of self-care, and how it’s so well-modelled by your own body. He says, “Each time the heart beats, it first pumps blood to itself, then to the rest of the body. It has to work this way in order for us to stay alive.” He continued, “The same is true for us as human beings. We have to take care of ourselves first, so we can take care of others.”
If your wish is to be helpful and caring of others, you must make self-care a priority. Here are five simple tips to ensure you’re able to do what you want to do, for both yourself and those you love:
- Make sure you’re getting enough rest, exercise, and take some time to enjoy life. These things are all important to your overall wellness.
- Americans today are more overweight, sick, and depressed than ever before. Learn to eat well, and to use physical activity as a mood stabilizer, as well as for weight loss.
- Stress from work, family and financial circumstances contribute to illness. It’s important to find ways to relax: including massages, meditation, yoga, even walks in nature, to help calm you down.
- Don’t overdo it. Even something you love to do, like exercise, can have negative effects on your body.
- Taking time to care for yourself regularly will make you a better caretaker for others.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish. Don’t feel guilty simply because you took some time to do something for yourself, and never make excuses for doing something that is enjoyable or relaxing. Taking care of yourself is not only for your benefit but also for those you are caring for on a regular basis.
If you would like to get some help with making self-care a priority in your life, get in touch with me today for your Complimentary Wellness Consultation.