Why It’s Important To Maintain Your Health & Wellness When You Have the Safety of Others in Your Care

Why It’s Important To Maintain Your Health & Wellness When You Have the Safety of Others in Your Care

For anyone who has the responsibility of protecting others—be it as a parent, an educator, a pilot, a flight attendant, a medical professional, or any other leadership domain—one unwavering truth stands paramount: If you don't take care of yourself, you cannot help others. 

On every commercial air flight, crewmembers demonstrate to their passengers the process of securing an oxygen mask, along with the instructions to "...put on your mask before you help others." While the familiar preflight announcement serves as a poignant analogy, it also underscores a fundamental principle that transcends emergency scenarios. 

Beyond the confines of a pressurized cabin, in the tapestry of our everyday lives, this lesson remains relevant. It echoes the imperative truth that maintaining our health is not merely a reactive measure for times of crisis, but a proactive investment in our capacity to help others as well. 

Throughout my career, I've discovered that these fundamental aspects of self-care are the building blocks that empower me to provide care and ensure the safety of others:

  1. Prioritize Quality Rest

In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the significance of rest and recovery. Just as a car requires refueling to perform optimally, our bodies and minds need adequate sleep to function at their best. Prioritize restful sleep to stay sharp, focused, and mentally alert, ensuring you have the energy to navigate daily challenges.

  1. Exercise Regularly

Engaging in regular physical activity is a potent remedy for the stresses and strains of modern life. Something as simple as a daily walk can have a profound impact on your mental well-being (my wife Lorrie and I try to take walks together daily). Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins - natural mood enhancers that help reduce stress and anxiety. 

  1. Stay Nourished and Hydrated

The importance of nourishing your body with balanced meals and staying hydrated cannot be overstated. Make an effort to consume nutritious meals and maintain proper hydration levels to keep your mind and body operating optimally, even when faced with challenges.

  1. Lean on Others

Life is a collaborative journey, and relying on your support network is a sign of strength, not weakness. Nurture your relationships with friends and family, and don't hesitate to seek their assistance during times of stress or fatigue. Clear communication of your needs and seeking support from loved ones can be invaluable in maintaining your emotional resilience and overall well-being.

  1. Remain Appreciative of the Journey

Reflecting on your personal journey and remaining grateful for the opportunities you've had can provide a positive outlook, even during difficult times. Cultivating a sense of gratitude reminds you of the privilege it is to pursue your passions and navigate life's challenges with a positive attitude.

As someone who has the well-being of so many individuals in my hands when I fly, it has been crucial throughout the years that I focus on keeping my mind and body healthy both on and off the plane. By embracing these aspects of self-care, you can create a strong foundation for your well-being, allowing you to approach each day with vitality, resilience, and with a steadfast dedication to the trust placed upon your capable shoulders. 

Jalal Haidar

Managing Director. World Aviation Forum

11mo

The View created an interesting debate. I can see why numerous commentators and respondents made their remarks. Nevertheless, Captain Sullenberger's views are supported by factual healthcare and wellness sciences. They were not meant to be a scientific research on human factors. If I read the View correctly, I see an overall wellness perspective by an experienced and well achieved airman who saved the lives of 155 passengers and crew members by exercising good cognitive skills in making a critical decision. With all this being said, the underlying causes of the vast majority of aircraft accidents, at least in the last 12 years, are connected to the tired, outdated and inefficient global regulatory oversight culture that needs a fundamental review / reform . Much rests on the shoulders of the world's leading aviation bodies, government and industry (ICAO- IATA). Please keep in mind that ICAO can do as much as its member states allow it to do, especially those who sit on its governing council.

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Somehow, i feel that we as professionals have lost out on-public,regulatory,state support in acknowledgement of our profession , the risk/compromise of health/wellness we incur has faded from the attention (of most that matter!) That we are highly paid(??)and dress well to work obfuscated the ground realitiies of hard working conditions we undergo day in day out....food for thought...buffet ...for thought!

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Kurt Stefan

#Husband, #Father, Owner @ Restoration Medical, LLC | Augmented Reality Researcher, Biometric Data Analyst, #Emotional Intelligence

1y

Just like the oxygen mask, you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. That frontal lobe for executive decision making faulters when it's constantly stressed, lacking sleep, and every moment is occupied.

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