Being responsible both for your young children and your aging parents makes you part of the sandwich generation because you are “sandwiched” between two groups of people who need extensive care.
While it is important to provide the best care you can, it is also important to make time to care for yourself.
Here are five ways to combine the care of others with soothing self-care that you can do yourself.
1. Send Out Updates Quickly
Whether you want to give more far-flung relatives updates on the health of elderly dependants or you want to share some cute photos of your baby’s first time swimming, establishing a group text that anyone in the family can join is a great idea.
Many people think that a group text chain is highly impersonal, but it is one of the most effective ways to quickly spread a message or deliver some news.
A group text can also make relatives who live far from each other feel more connected.
You can also make a group for your family on Facebook to share news and make announcements.
2. Hire Some Outside Help
If you find that you are unable to perform all the tasks that are required of you, it may be time to think about bringing in some help.
Assuming you can afford it, a helper can be used to take care of things that you just do not have time for any longer—cleaning or laundry. Just remember, a helper can be hired to help with small things that can make a huge impact on your life.
Anyone that you hire does not have to encroach too much on your time.
A helper can assist you with a parent when there is a lot to be done.
Maybe you need a housekeeper to keep things clean at your parents’ home.
You might need more professional help, at times, when dealing with legal matters, such as when you need to get a power of attorney for a parent. Whatever it is, get the help you need to solve the problem.
3. Know Exactly What You Need
When you are the primary caretaker for people, you have to remember that time to yourself is also necessary. Sometimes, you can even combine the two.
For example, if one of your non-negotiable needs is a weekly trip to the gym, see if there are classes for old or young people that you can take advantage of.
This is a great way to ensure that you get what you need so as not to burn out. Your dependants get to explore a new hobby that might interest them.
If you need a full night’s sleep, try a new sleep trainer that is guaranteed to work. Remember, you are not just a caregiver. You matter too.
4. It Is Never Going to Be Perfect
People who belong to the sandwich generation must realize that it is perfectly fine not to strike a perfect balance in their lives.
There will be times when you are focusing more attention on your children and other times when you focus more attention on an elderly parent.
That is not a bad thing; let priorities dictate where you spend your time.
So many people would rather deal with exhaustion and ill health than admit they are not perfect. You have to accept that no situation can really be perfect.
5. Remember to Keep Things in Perspective
You have probably had many trying experiences in your life, and the one thing they all have in common is that they are not forever.
Each time you are burned out or overly tired, just run yourself a bath and remind yourself that it, too, shall pass.
All of the sacrifices that you make on a daily basis to provide the care that members of your family need are just another factor that contributes to their happiness, their smiling faces, and laughter.
Being a part of the sandwich generation means that you do not get much time for yourself, always having to take care of others.
Whether it is a legal obligation (such as parenthood or a power of attorney) or one you make out of the goodness of your heart, it is crucial not to forget to spend some time on yourself.