Unlocking the Secret to a Fulfilling Life: The Importance of Prioritizing Self-Care

It is spring break time for many people across the United States. That means end-of-season ski runs, road trips to see the family, or getting sun-kissed on the coastal beaches.

Soak up that vitamin D! ☀️

It also means a lot of people will be filing onto airplanes and ignoring the Federal Aviation Administration’s mandatory schpiel about in-flight safety - “Lift the tab on the metal buckle to release the strap…” Anyone that has flown consistently over the years can probably recite it from memory!

This year, when the cheery flight attendant begins to rock the mic, instead of getting in those last few social media likes, take a moment to reflect on one of the key messages from that FAA announcement: “Secure your oxygen mask before attempting to assist others.” Turns out, the airline industry has had it right for decades!

This nugget of aviation wisdom is applicable to health and wellness, too.

Put yourself first.

While this is antithetical to what parents and society have preached for millennia, it is truly sound advice.

How can anyone be of service to others if they are struggling in their own life?

By making self-care a priority, people are able to become their best self. Subsequently, they can then offer maximum value to those around them. This requires sacrifice - not self-sacrifice - but rather, sacrifice from always saying “Yes!” to others and ultimately prioritizing self-care.

By being the best possible version of themselves, people are then able to contribute to the lives of others in a more impactful way. And more importantly, they are able to be of service more often and for longer periods of time, because their life is in order and everything is functioning efficiently.

Helping others is good. It not only feels great to be of service, but it also empowers people to contribute in meaningful ways to the lives of others. But when is it too much of a good thing?

Too often, people allow their lives to fall into disarray while in the pursuit of selfless service to others. Ironically, that approach is extremely selfish! By denying self-care and allowing the mind and body to function sub-optimally, individuals are not giving their best self to others.

Make time for self-care. Keep that time sacred. Do not allow others to schedule their needs over self-care time. Yes, it is important to be of service to friends, family, and strangers, but not at the expense of personal growth and well-being.

Now go practice some self-care - you are worth it!