An Oxygen Mask on the Plane

By: Bradley Binversie

When you’re preparing for takeoff on a place, the flight crew will go through their safety procedures. One of which is, in the event of an emergency place your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. Only if you can breathe properly will you have the strength and capacity to help others.

I use this analogy quite frequently with friends and family who are feeling burned out. The stresses of daily life can pull us in many directions if let it. Family, friends, careers…. we all have people who are depending upon us to support them and give our best effort. But I don’t think it’s possible to give our best effort if we don’t take the time to “put our own metaphorical oxygen mask on”. We need to give ourselves permission to take step back, refresh, and recharge so we can be at our best to help others.

This is not a license to be selfish or only focus on our own wants or needs. But instead a realization that only by taking the time needed for ourselves, will be able to serve others. If we neglect our health, our bodies, our minds, or our spiritual health, no matter how good our intentions are, we will not be able to show up at our very best.

My good friend is a fanatic about protecting his time for exercise and reflection in his steam room. It’s on his calendar and it’s part of his daily routine to take care of his health, mind, and spirit. He’s well into his 70’s and I don’t know many people who have more energy or who do more to help people. I believe a big part of it, is his understanding of the space and time he needs, so that he has the energy to serve others in the most meaningful way possible.