Oxygen Mask-self-Care Analogy Meaning
The O2 Mask Self-Care Analogy
The Oxygen Mask/Self-Care Analogy Many of us have heard the metaphor or analogy of self-care described as putting on your own oxygen mask first. Those who have flown on airplanes are probably familiar with the instructions to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping anyone else should there be a decrease in cabin pressure. That's understandable because if you become unconscious from lack of oxygen, you will be unable to take care of anyone else. That's how many summarize the concept of engaging in self-care. While this is a powerful and important mindset, I believe that we don't have to wait for the plane to be dropping out of the sky to put on our own oxygen masks. We should not be waiting until the bottom falls out to implore self-care and put our oxygen masks on. We should be putting it on every day.
If we wait for dire circumstances or emergencies to implore self-care, the healing process is much more complicated because by then we could be dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, chronic pain syndrome, heart attack, cancer, obesity, strokes, and a whole host of other stress-related medical problems. Putting on your own O2 mask daily and practicing self-care consistently will help you show up authentically in the best version of yourself as a mom, dad, spouse, partner, friend, boss, employee, sister, brother, daughter, son, auntie, or uncle.
So, it may be time for that family discussion about why you may have to modify the kid's schedules or have them give up one of the four or five afterschool activities they have so that you can do some things for yourself. Maybe it's time to let your spouse or significant other know that you need to take turns doing the grocery shopping, and laundry or that you need them to stay home with the kids while you go to a paint-n-sip event or take a pole-dancing class. It might also be a good time to discuss with your employer more vacation time, a more flexible schedule, or the option to work remotely. So, remember to put on your own O2 mask every day and give yourself permission to breathe before the cabin pressure begins to drop!