When is the last time that you have been on an airplane? Do you remember the safety briefing? The flight attendant probably told you to make sure to put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone else. They do this because by helping others first, or ignoring your mask altogether, you will begin to lose your ability to recognize faces and shapes and will eventually pass out. And then you won’t be any good to anyone else. If you put on your mask first, you will have the resources needed to ensure those around you have what they need.
The same could be said for parenting. If you are running around taking care of everyone else’s needs and neglect your own “oxygen mask,” you are eventually going to burn out and won’t be any good to anyone else.
So, what are our “oxygen masks?”
These are the things that charge our battery, fill up our tanks, give us energy, and give us life. A few of these could be:
- Reading a book for pleasure
- Exercising
- Getting a massage
- Taking a walk
- Mediating or praying
- Eating good, healthy food
- Getting quality sleep
- Connecting with friends and/or your partner
- Engaging in hobbies
- Taking breaks throughout your day to recharge
- Treating yourself to a spa day
And the list could go on for a while…
But unlike an airplane, you really should not wait until there is an emergency or major life event to put on your oxygen mask and practice self-care. These are things that you should practice daily to ensure that you have the bandwidth to care for your child.
You would likely never let your cell phone battery get too low or die on a daily basis because it would limit your ability to function with it. So, why not make sure your “battery” doesn’t die daily? Think about how you can incorporate daily strategies to stay emotionally, physically, cognitively, spiritually, professionally, and socially recharged and refreshed.