The Sandwich Generation

​Are you the ham in an intergenerational sandwich? Stress amongst the sandwich generation is mounting, and mental health experts are ringing the alarm bells. “When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s easy to forget about your own needs, putting you at serious risk of burnout.”(1)

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You’re trying to be all things to all people, and your physical and emotional well-being can get pushed to the back of the line. But, let’s face it: you’re no good to anyone if you’re constantly getting sick, taking too long to recover, stressed and anxious, not getting enough sleep. And if you’re physically unfit, it’s a safety issue for both you and your elderly parent: if you’re not strong enough to help your limited-mobility mother get in and out of the car safely/climb up and down the stairs/etc, you’re both at risk for injury. Not only will regular exercise keep your body well, it is also a great way to relieve stress: “Force yourself to get moving. Exercise is the best stress reliever. Not only will you feel better right away, the surge of endorphins that exercise triggers lifts your mood, clears your head and helps you sleep better at night.”(2)

Exercise is one form of self-care to help you manage sandwich generation stress. Other techniques include:

1. Use your support network
2. A burden shared is a burden halved
3. Prioritize what matters
4. Hire some help
5. Talk to your boss
6. Practice self-care
7. Update the family collectively
8. Self-development(3)

Not only is physical activity a form of self-care, it needs to be a priority: “The biggest hurdle you will likely face in creating time to exercise is the guilt of spending time away from your family and loved ones…[but] it isn’t a selfish act to spend time exercising and serving your health, wellness, and fitness.”(4) Isn’t that what you want for your children and parents as well - health and wellness? So why shouldn’t you have it as well? Here’s a thought: you don’t necessarily need to be away from your family to get in your physical activity. I offer mobile private/semi-private lessons - in your home or via Skype. And Essentrics is gentle enough for your elderly parents and fun enough for your kids to join the workout. Many Essentrics with Amanda participants say they feel like they’ve had a full-body massage at the end of a workout. You could probably use that right about now, wouldn’t you agree? 


References:

1 & 2: http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/info-12-2011/caregiver-burnout.html

3. http://blog.ca.care.com/2014/07/28/8-ways-manage-sandwich-generation-stress/

4. http://breakingmuscle.com/sports-psychology/prioritizing-your-fitness-isnt-selfish-its-necessary

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