In the event of an emergency

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Any frequent flyer has heard this message over the airplane loudspeaker multiples times: "In the event of an emergency, please put on your oxygen mask before helping others." Essentially, the message is reminding airline passengers to take care of their needs first before helping anyone else who might be in trouble.

In my opinion, this advice rings true in so many areas of one's life. In fact, Martha Beck, author, life coach and columnist for Oprah Magazine, writes:

"...Give yourself as much freedom, kindness, and rest as possible - starting now.... When you feel free, loved, and rested, you're far more benevolent, far more likely to offer support to other people. It's when you're suffering and exhausted that you become unavailable, focused solely on your own needs and how to fulfill them."

"...Designate a period of time (ten minutes, half an hour, a weekend) in the near future as a "freedom session." During that time, set yourself free to do anything that feels kind and restful. Take a nap. Curl up with a novel. Wander around outside. Talk to yourself the way you'd talk to a tired best friend. If anxiety or self-criticism arises, take a deep breath and bring your focus back to kindness."

Following this advice opens one up to self-care and self-kindness, which in turn, makes one more compassionate, more caring and more kind to oneself and to others. Consider this approach if you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by your space. When you give yourself the gift of kindness, you're more able to view things in a positive perspective.