We’ve all heard it: put your own oxygen mask on first, then help others. But this idea isn’t just for emergencies—it’s something we should be practicing every day.
I’ve noticed that when I let myself get overwhelmed, stressed, and run down, I’m not the kind of caretaker I want to be for my animals. I feel drained, unfocused, and low on energy—and that means I’m not showing up fully for their needs. They don’t get the time, attention, and enrichment they deserve.
So let’s change that.
Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. When you take care of yourself first, you actually have more to give. For example, today I made a point to take time for myself before tending to my dogs. The result? I felt calm, present, and energized—and I ended up taking them on a longer, more enjoyable walk in the woods. Everyone benefited.
Below are a few tools that I personally use to support my self-care routine. (Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share what I genuinely use and love.)
Start with sleep. Quality rest is foundational. When I’m feeling tense or restless at bedtime, I often use an acupressure mat.
Fair warning: some people hate it at first—but others, like me, find it incredibly relaxing. It’s covered in small plastic points that feel intense initially, but after a few minutes, your body settles and releases tension. I often fall asleep on it, especially if I wake up in the middle of the night and need help drifting back to sleep.
Add an eye pillow. A simple eye pillow—especially one filled with lavender—can make a big difference in helping your body wind down. The gentle weight and calming scent signal to your nervous system that it’s time to rest.
Support your body nutritionally. Before bed, I like to take use magnesium topically. Magnesium can have a noticeable impact on sleep quality and muscle relaxation, and it’s a gentle, whole-food-based supplement.
For now, start here. The basics of being a healthy, present human are simple but powerful: sleep well, eat well, and breathe well.
In the next post, I’ll share more about nutrition, breathing practices, and simple exercises to help regulate your nervous system.
In the meantime, take care of yourself. Your dog will absolutely notice the difference.