How to put your own oxygen mask on first

The better we are at taking care of ourselves, the more effective we are in every area of our lives. That’s why airline attendants always tell us, in the case of an emergency, to “secure your own mask first before helping others”.

We can’t perform at our best if we forgo sleep, overindulge in stress eating or disregard movement breaks between back-to-back virtual meetings. On the other hand, when we do take care of ourselves, the benefits to our physical and mental health, our focus and our creativity are extraordinary.

Here are three strategies for you to try:

• Check in on where you are right now

When we’re working and living at a breathless pace, it can be hard to see where we’re thriving and where we’re not. Taking a moment to reflect on a challenge you’re facing will help you see new possibilities and set you up to take meaningful action.

Ask yourself: what is the greatest stressor you’re facing right now?

• Focus on your wellbeing

Sometimes we prioritise our job, business, school, friends or family before ourselves. But attending to our own wellbeing can improve our health, happiness, relationships and so much more.

What is one area of wellbeing you would like to prioritise?

• Uncover limiting beliefs and mindsets

Our beliefs drive who we are and what we do. And we can fundamentally change our lives if we identify and change our limiting beliefs and replace them with more positive ones. The brain’s ability to actually change based upon the thoughts we think and the actions we take is called neuroplasticity – and it is one of the greatest powers we have. Every time you catch yourself in your old limiting belief, pause and change the channel to your new one.

What is one limiting belief that might be holding you back from taking care of yourself right now? Identify a positive belief you could adopt instead.