Your Oxygen Mask Goes on First

Man, if I had a dollar for every time I've heard, "I'm too busy"! The funny thing is, that's exactly the issue. We, especially women, don't set aside enough time for ourselves. We often pour so much into others, prioritizing their needs over our own and not leaving time to care for ourselves. I've come to understand why flight attendants say to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others—it's just like what I used to tell the families and friends of my patients when I worked as a nurse in the ICU: you're no good to your loved ones if you're not well yourself.

But here we are, always wrapped up in being super busy. Busy with work, busy with chores, busy shuttling the kids around. I rarely hear anyone say they're too busy taking care of themselves. No one seems to mention they're too busy going to the gym, meditating, or enjoying their favorite hobby. I'm not saying to ignore your loved ones, but it's totally okay to find some balance and make time for yourself even if, God forbid, it means asking for help. There aren't any awards for being a martyr. Just think about it—when was the last time someone randomly asked you for help? How did that make you feel? Did it feel like it was a hassle? Did you judge that they couldn't manage things on their own? Probably not. Most of the time, people feel honored when they're asked for help. It shows trust and appreciation. So if your to-do list is getting out of hand and stopping you from loving on you, go ahead and ask for help. It's cool. It's actually a good thing.

In my talks about why our generation is dealing with more severe menopause symptoms than those before us, I often point out that it's partly because we're always on the go. Women today are juggling work, family, household duties sometimes as a single woman, caring for aging parents, and maybe even grandkids—all while being constantly pressured to keep up with societal norms thanks to social media. We're more stressed, less socially connected, and less active. Plus, our diets are often packed with sugar, preservatives, pesticides, and hormones. We're glued to our computers or phones, and if we're lucky enough to work from home, we miss out on social interactions.

Although I'm focused on managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, my goal extends beyond this transitional phase. I genuinely aim to help women feel fantastic not only in their 40s and 50s but well into the future. This period can be incredibly exciting as we become more confident in who we are and start reassessing our priorities. So go ahead and prioritize yourself, make this the time of your life! And remember to secure your own oxygen mask first!