Mamas, you all know the airline industry adage “put the oxygen mask on yourself first”? While it may be important during a plane crash to remain conscious in order to take care of your kids, in everyday life it's equally important!

Often, this idea goes against our instincts. In an emergency, our first thoughts of course would be for the safety and well-being of our children. Likewise, most parents instinctively put their children and loved ones first.

But the truth inside this message is that if you are not taking good care of yourself, you just won’t have much to give your children, or anyone else for that matter.

You know how you feel when you are not taking care of yourself! Grumpy, exhausted and easily frustrated. You aren’t able to be as present and loving with your family as you would like to be. Your mind races through the lists of things you need to get done - and all you may want to do is hide under the covers.

Now think about how you feel when you are taking care of yourself. Typically, you will have more energy and attention to give your family. The quality of your time with your loved ones is more enjoyable, for everyone. You just seem to be able to get more done, even when you have less time. You are clear-headed and able to be creative (rather than reactive) with your kids.

So, what does taking care of yourself mean for you? If you were going to nourish yourself so you have more to give your loved ones, what would you change?

We all have different needs when it comes to self-care. For some mamas it means having regular time alone, for others it might mean keeping up with personal care appointments that support health (like yoga or massage therapy) and for some of us it means just getting enough rest.

Do you love to read but never make the time? Is exercise important for your health but you are too tired to fit it in at the end of your day? Do you know that you would feel better if you ate healthier meals but don’t always have time to prepare them?

What have you been neglecting that would give you more energy?

This year on Mother’s Day, make a promise to yourself to make a habit of putting that oxygen mask on regularly! Your family will thank you!