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BLog

The Sandwich Generation

1/24/2015

1 Comment

 
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​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)

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

Image source: pixabay.com



1 Comment
Healthcare jobs in Ottawa link
1/30/2015 10:38:53 am

It’s really Great tips shared for me. Thanks for the article.

Reply



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    Amanda Sterczyk is an international author,  Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM), an Exercise is Medicine Canada (EIMC) Fitness Professional, and a Certified Essentrics® Instructor. 

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I live and work on the traditional and unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. Algonquin people have lived in the Ottawa Valley for at least 8,000 years before the Europeans arrived in North America, and are the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. From coast to coast to coast, I acknowledge the ancestral and unceded territory of all the Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people who call this land home. 

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​The advice and recommendations provided by Amanda Sterczyk - Author are not medical guidelines but are for educational purposes only. You must consult your physician prior to starting any exercise program.
 
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​As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • About
    • Meet Amanda
    • Amanda's Fitness Credentials
    • Workshops
    • Testimonials
    • Events
  • Books
    • Chair Exercises for Fall Prevention
    • Audiobook: Balance Exercises for Fall Prevention
    • Balance Exercises for Fall Prevention
    • Balance 2.0
    • Balance and Your Body
    • Ejercicios de Equilibrio para Prevenir Caídas
    • Pace Yourself: Exercising After COVID-19
    • Sweat-Free Exercises for the Office
    • Move More, Your Life Depends On It
    • Your Job is Killing You
    • I Can See Your Underwear
    • Selfried and the Secrets
    • Bulk Orders
  • The Move More Institute™
    • 3 Days to Better Balance
    • Balance 2.0
    • Get Off Your Butt!
    • Add Movement at Work
    • Move More! Coaching for Behaviour Change
    • Move More with Amanda
    • Free Videos
  • Blog
  • Media
    • Print
    • Video
    • Audio
  • Contact