In the event of an emergency, there’s a reason the cabin crew on a flight tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone else. 

When the cabin loses pressure, oxygen levels drop rapidly! You may only have fifteen to thirty seconds before dizziness takes hold, right before you lose consciousness. 

And then you’re no help to anyone.  

You may even become a burden because now, someone else has to help you – a cruel turn of events when all you wanted to do was help the loved ones sitting beside you. 

Now consider another type of pressure: emotional pressure – the pressure of responsibility … 

… of parenthood.  

… of work.   

… of the never-shrinking mountain of life admin. 

… of bearing the weight of constant cognitive demand. 

Before you know it, emotional instability, burnout, exhaustion … the usual culprits, arriving in all their destructive manners  – we see it time and time again.  

So, let me ask you this: is your oxygen mask within reach? Do you need to put it on? 

And if you can’t reach it, is there anyone nearby who can help you?