Why You Should Put Your Oxygen Mask On First, Before Helping Others

If you have been on an airplane before, you know that the flight attendant will always tell you to put your mask on if the cabin loses pressure. However, they constantly tell you to do it first before helping others. But why? Surely you should help children first?

Putting Your Oxygen Mask on Means Taking Care of Yourself. Because if you run out of oxygen yourself, you can't help anyone else with their oxygen mask.

A US engineer and aspiring astronaut created a video to show the exact science behind this rule.

Destin Sandlin, who "explores the world using science," entered a special chamber with an astronaut to find out what happens if you don't put on your mask. After a few minutes, Sandlin starts to lose brain function and cannot identify basic shapes. Soon, he can't even speak or put his mask on, and someone must step in and put it on for him to prevent him dying. So, always put your own mask on first before helping others because, by the time you've helped everyone else, you may not know how to help yourself.

"Self-care doesn't mean bubble baths and fancy brunches. It really means taking care of yourself daily, like you would for someone you love. It means breaking the pattern of putting yourself last. It means considering your own needs, not over others' needs, but with them. It means finally learning to like yourself." - The Angry Therapist
You are awesome, but to regulate your stress you need to put your oxygen mask on first. This is what the concept of self-care is all about.

What has been your experience with self-care, or the lack thereof?