If you have ever looked up self-care on the internet or social media, it is possible that you have come across the oxygen mask analogy: just as airplanes advice you to put on your own oxygen mask first in an emergency situation before you help others put on theirs, you must prioritise your own well-being if you want to devote your energy to looking after the needs of others. But often, this is easier said than done. Between your packed work schedule, housework and keeping up with your social obligations, putting yourself first can seem difficult. Additionally, the gendered expectations you face if you are a woman, or cultural norms that make looking after your family a social duty, can make it impossible to stop and think about your own needs and desires.

But prioritising yourself is not selfish; it is responsible. If you constantly deplete yourself of energy without doing anything to recharge it, you will soon exhaust yourself or experience burnout. When you look after yourself, you have more drive for your actions and positivity for the people around you. Your job will feel rewarding and you will have energy for recreational activities. Your coworkers, your family, your friends and your partner will get to experience the best version of you. If you struggle with prioritising yourself, you are definitely not alone. But you can start caring for yourself through some very simple steps.