“In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will appear in front of you. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, then assist the other person.”
Every time you fly, you’ll hear this as part of the safety demonstration – but these words can also be an important analogy for travelling through life.
Look after yourself first!
Do this as part of your daily routine to ensure you are in the best shape to help and support others.
Being physically and mentally healthy enables you to effectively care for the people who depend on you. Especially if you are a parent or carer who takes care of everything and everyone – except yourself!
Self-Care is like Oxygen
As a Chiropractor, I repeatedly speak to mums and dads who put everyone else first. They believe it’s their duty to do so, even to the detriment of their own health. Feeling ‘broken’, ‘worn out’, ‘hopeless’, and in pain, (often from stress-related injuries), they are desperate to find relief, and deeply desire the opportunity to recharge, nourish, and replenish.
When you consistently put yourself last, you will burn out
Constant stress combined with lack of true physical and emotional nourishment will take a toll on your health.
That, in turn, makes it difficult to be the best version of yourself, let alone function well in your role as mum, daughter, sister, grandmother, colleague (and all the other hats you wear). If you haven’t put your oxygen mask on first, you may:
- Feel tired
- Lack energy and concentration
- Experience sleep disturbances
- Develop injuries and pain
- Be unable to give to your loved ones all that you want (or need) to
Any or all of these will affect your mood and patience, and potentially lead to further health problems.
Charge your Internal Battery
If your mobile battery has run out, your phone is useless. If your energy runs out, so are you.
Just as your oxygen mask goes on first (so you can breathe and function), you must also take time to recharge your body and mind. It’s not selfish to look after yourself, to enjoy ‘time-outs’, and ‘plug-in’ to what nourishes you and brings you happiness.
Rest and relaxation allow you to de-stress and give you the opportunity to be a better and more effective parent, guardian, and carer.
The higher the stress, the MORE important self-care becomes
Many of us find that, when we are under stress, the LESS likely we are to make time for self-care. In reality, this is when it’s crucial to recharge. To take a minute to breathe and slow down your nervous system. To stop doing ‘all the things’ for everyone else, and take a few minutes (at the very least) to do the things that make you happy.
In clinic, people often tell me they have not prioritized self-care because they feel guilty and selfish for putting their own needs ahead of others. But, just as you recharge your phone when it runs low, acts of self-care replenish your system. They charge your internal battery so you not only function well for yourself, but also have enough energy to help those around you.
13 Ways to Relieve Stress from your Body
While Chiropractic adjustments are a fabulous form of self-care that helps to relieve mental, physical, and pain-induced stress, here as a few other simple ways to charge your internal battery:
- Get enough rest – ‘good’ sleep is important so your body can heal
- Hydrate your body and brain – this is a non-negotiable!
- Move your body for enjoyment, not as a ‘chore’
- Get outside and enjoy nature – walking in bare feet on grass or sand is amazing!
- Practice deep belly-breaths throughout the day
- Meditate
- Listen to music without the distraction of radio, news, or advertisements
- Read, write, draw, or colour-in
- Laugh – with friends/family or by yourself. Watch a funny movie / comedy show / podcast.
- Spend time with your favourite person / people in the whole wide world
- Snuggle with a beloved pet
- Get in water – bath, shower, pool, sea
- Create a list of inspirational sayings or images – these are great for a quick energy boost!
Conscious acts of self-care are the most precious gifts you can give yourself, and everyone you share your life with. Take the time to put on your oxygen mask and recharge your battery to reduce the effects of stress on your body and mind. Safe travels!
Chiropractic care is an effective, natural, and drug-free alternative. Book a consultation on 03 9512 5882. We’re here to help!
