Today’s post is not about a plane crash, it is about you. I have used the analogy of the oxygen mask in airplanes. Before starting the flight, the crew members explain to the passengers on the plane that in any case of depressurization, before helping the others, they must put the oxygen mask on first. The message is important because most of us have a clear tendency to help others before helping ourselves. Continuing with the analogy, there are numerous cases in which the person who was preparing to help others has died because he had not previously put on the mask. With which he has not only died, but he has not been able to help others either.
And this comparison helps me to vindicate the importance of taking care of ourselves first. It seems like a very selfish posture but it is not. If we really want to help others, we will have to be well and ensure our own survival. Well, maybe in normal life, talking about survival is something very strong; I correct and simplify it. To help others, you have to make sure that you are okay. Otherwise, it will be very difficult. As a father or mother, as a manager with people in your charge, as a teacher, as a coach, as a person … surely you have the intention of helping others: your children, students, coworkers … But for the help to be positive and sustainable over time, you must be fine. And being well means:
- BEING HEALTHY. In this sense, think about what you can do this year to improve your health. THERE ARE MANY IDEAS FOR YOU TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH, BUT THEY ARE USUALLY SUMMARIZED IN JUST 3: EAT WELL, EXERCISE, AND SLEEP WELL. Most of the tips to improve your health can be synthesized in these 3 powerful points.
- It is also very important, to help others, that YOU ARE WELL EMOTIONALLY. Having a healthy life helps a lot. In addition, living life with balance and meaning will make you feel better both mentally and emotionally and will make it easier for you to help others. Have healthy relationships and a good social life. Try to spend time in the activities that motivate you and also try to be motivated by the actions that you must take.
- And the third block of important aspects for you to help others has to DO WITH PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. Invest in yourself, learn, improve. Be a better version of yourself every time. And for this, train, read, listen to podcasts, attend conferences and congresses, watch videos that may be useful to you, hire a coach or a mentor … If you are able to grow on a personal and professional level, you will be able to help those people who require your help.
So now you know, PUT ON THE OXYGEN MASK YOURSELF FIRST. Get rid of complexes and false selfishness and INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH, YOUR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING, AND YOUR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. Only in this way can you lead yourself and lead others. Because as Katie Reed, – American writer and speaker, says – “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what is left of you.”
