If you’ve ever flown in an aircraft you would be familiar with the routine that takes place when the door is closed and the aircraft is about to pushback. The Captain or the Chief flight attendant will make an announcement ‘Now we request your full attention as the flight attendants demonstrate the safety features of this aircraft. One of the things the steward tells you is that in the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.

Now that makes sense because unless you get enough oxygen, you can’t be much help to anybody else. Are you getting the time you need for yourself? If not, it’s time you chilled a bit and started taking care of yourself before you burn out. You can’t hope other people will see how hectic your life is and give you a break. You need to say something, or they’ll just keep giving you more stuff to deal with!

Freedom from stress comes when you let go, and let God!. Overloaded people grind to a halt when they’re handling more than they should. You’re like a plane; if you carry too much baggage you won’t get off the ground. If you are motivated by the need to please or impress, you’ll take on too much and in the end fail to reach the heights God planned for you, or crash because you ignored your limitations.

Everything that comes your way isn’t always your problem to solve! You need to prioritise! What is the right thing to focus on now? People don’t always recognise what we need, but once you’ve set your priority stick to it. Here’s a tip: carry what you can, learn when to say ‘enough,’ then let go and let God.