The Myth of "No Time": Why Self-Care is Your Oxygen Mask
The Breaking Point
At one point in my life, I was juggling two part-time jobs and a full-time graduate load. One afternoon, after a particularly heavy training session on trauma, I walked to my car, slammed the door, and screamed at the top of my lungs. I felt defeated, exhausted, and utterly burned out.
When my counselor told me I needed to practice self-care, my response was immediate: "I don’t have time for that."
The Oxygen Mask Principle
The best way to understand self-care is the safety briefing we hear on every flight: “In the event of a loss of pressure, place your mask on first before helping others.” If you don’t have oxygen, you eventually pass out, and then you are no help to the person sitting next to you. Self-care isn't about being selfish; it's about ensuring you have the "oxygen" required to show up for your career, your family, and your life.
Starting Small: The 15-Minute Shift
My transition into self-care didn't start with a week-long retreat. It started with small, conscious choices:
The Lunch Break: I stopped working through my lunch and actually ate.
The Morning Tea: Instead of rushing, I woke up 15 minutes earlier. I sat with my tea and noticed the scent of clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. I felt the warmth of the mug and the slight buzz of the spices on my tongue. That was a moment just for me.
Conscious Choice: I stopped watching TV to "fill a void" and started watching my favorite shows as a conscious act of relaxation.
A Plethora of Peace
Self-care looks different every day. Sometimes it is an action—yoga, a concert, or a hike. Sometimes it is doing absolutely nothing—sleeping in, sitting in silence, or a guilt-free binge-watch session.
The trick is to ask yourself: "What do I need at this moment?" and then listen to the answer. Sometimes "cleaning" is the self-care that serves me best because it clears my mental space. Other times, I need to let the dishes sit and go to sleep early.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Burnout has been described as doing too little of the things that make you feel alive. When I prioritize my own "mask," everything else becomes more manageable. I don’t just survive my schedule; I thrive within it.
About the Author
Sarah Lacy, LPCC is an EMDR Specialist and Life Coach based in Rocky River, Ohio. She provides in-person support to the Lakewood, Westlake, and Bay Village communities, as well as Telehealth sessions throughout the state.
If these words resonate with you, reach out to take the next step in your healing journey.
