Self Care, Your Oxygen Mask First

“Put your oxygen mask on first” has become a metaphor for the importance of self-care.  It implies that you can’t adequately help another until you’ve helped yourself.  Even when there is no emergency, this is an important concept. The need to care for yourself is not just for emergencies. When you tend to your needs you’re more ready for all the demands that are placed upon you.  In healthcare, especially for those working in hospitals, it seems that there is a lot of urgency if not emergency, and self-care gets overlooked.

Taking care of yourself first is not selfish, nor is it indulgent, it is practical. Nurses and physicians need to pay attention to self-care as a way for you to avoid burnout. You need to have life sustaining elements in your life.  What is your metaphoric oxygen?  What helps you to feel alive?

Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Daily or weekly habits may become part of your routine and serve you best.  Does being in nature inspire you – can you take a 10 minute walk outside several days a week?  What about music or art? Do these provide you with a creative and life giving outlet? Perhaps there is a weekly class you can participate in.

I know someone who sets aside just 2 minutes of “pure pleasure” on a daily basis.  Part of this requires planning, and part of it occurs with a bit of spontaneity and requires her noticing.

What can you do that starts you on a self-care care path that will serve you, so that you can serve others well?

• Engage in flow experiences they’re life enhancing. Check out this article from October 1.
• Take time to relax – adequate sleep is fundamental and time to center yourself during the day can help you stay calm.  This can be done through breathing exercises for even a few minutes.
• Gratitude practice – this helps you take note of the good in your life.
• Use your personal strengths daily. Those who use their strengths daily are happier and more confident.  Take the VIA survey to find out what your strengths are and an opportunity to develop a vocabulary for your character strengths. Example – Appreciation of Art and beauty, use of this may lead you to visit a website for an art museum or gallery, or images from an artist you like daily instead of waiting for a real trip to a gallery.

What do you do to ensure your oxygen mask is on? Please share your responses by clicking on Leave a reply.

To connect with your well-being and see how self-care can benefit you and others, contact me.

Revitalize Your Life,

Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)

Improving well-being for professionals through coaching.

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