PUT YOUR OWN OXYGEN MASK FIRST.

If you have ever flown on an aeroplane, or even watched a film where a flight is about to take off, you have probably heard the familiar safety instructions. The crew explains where the emergency exits are and what to do if the oxygen masks come down.

There is one instruction that always stands out: “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.”

At first, it can sound strange. If you are sitting next to someone who needs help, your natural instinct may be to help them first. But there is a simple reason for the instruction: if you cannot breathe, you cannot help anyone else breathe.

The lesson is simple: “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. If you neglect your own baseline needs, you will eventually burn out, pass out, or break down, leaving you completely incapable of helping the people who depend on you.

You cannot help others if you are struggling yourself. Take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. A tired, overwhelmed or constantly stressed student will eventually struggle to support friends or perform well. Protect your future before pleasing everyone today; Sometimes friends may want you to skip studying, break rules or make poor decisions with them. You can care about your friends while still protecting your own future.

Looking after yourself is not selfish. It is what allows you to remain strong, focused and available for the people who depend on you. If you don’t take care of yourself first, everyone around you may eventually suffer the consequences of your exhaustion, poor judgement, and neglect.

Mr.Y. Kwatiwani

Deputy Headmaster (Academic)