Take Care of Yourself

When we are too stressed to do the things we enjoy, it affects the way we act! It's important to find ways to do the things that make us feel good because it eases stress. Before a flight takes off, flight attendants say: “In the event of an emergency, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling. If you are seated next to someone who might need assistance, put on your own oxygen mask first, and then help with their mask.” Why would they say this? If your child is with you, this might sound very unusual. But it makes a lot of sense. If you run out of oxygen and cannot breathe, you cannot help your child. This would put you both in greater danger. That is why it is so important to put on your own oxygen mask first – so that you are able to help your child. In many ways, this applies to how we live our lives. To be there for and meet the needs of our loved ones, we have to first take care of ourselves. We tend to think of a couple as one unit, but individuals within couples remain just that – individuals. How good or how bad partners feel and how well they care for themselves will affect their relationship. For example, if one partner is under a lot of stress, he or she might not be as patient. Or if one partner had a really good day at work, he or she might be more upbeat. When we handle stress well, it makes us healthier and happier. It also helps us be better able to take good care of others.