There are numerous people who require a helping hand these days. Even so, a vital principle must not be forgotten:
Take care of yourself first.
Ensuring that you are in prime condition not only benefits yourself, but those who depend on you as well. Furthermore, if you neglect to properly take care of yourself, then you run the risk of becoming dependent as well. If this occurs, there is no guarantee that help will arrive.
Important note! I am not asserting that you should neglect to help others. You should render assistance where possible, but not to the point where it severely jeopardizes your wellbeing.
Think of this principle in the following manner: When a paramedic, firefighter or police officer responds to an emergency, the first priority is ensuring their own safety. Why? Because if they become incapacitated, they are now a liability and, therefore, unable to assist the individuals who initially called for help. The same principle applies to you. Preserve your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial health as efficiently as possible. That way you can adroitly conduct your own affairs and also render assistance to others when necessary.