We’re like you. We’re not keen on giving everything a label just for the sake of popping it in a box for social management. But there is one label that is worth its title but doesn’t always get the discussion it deserves and that is the sandwich generation.
If you have no idea what we’re talking about because, let’s be honest, there are so many generations (Z’s, Millennials, Baby Boomers, Silents and Interbellum), it refers to that fully-stretched generation of humans that are faced with the task of caring for elderly parents and dependent children. Yup, those in the sandwich generation can be faced with a pretty stressful time.
Don’t worry, though, you’re not alone. We know that doesn’t exactly help your jangled nerves and borderline stress issues, but it can be comforting to know that whole hurricane of hardships isn’t something utterly unique.
Anyway, moving on to the good news, we have gathered a few top tips to help you manage the bungee-feeling a whole lot better.
Numero Uno
Yup. We know that sounds weird but, if you start to fall apart, then the whole triangle will cave in on itself. So, yeah, you need to care for you if you’re going to care for those you love most. We’re not saying you need to jet off to somewhere far, far away for one week every month, but a couple of hours me time here and there can do you the world of good. Even if you just take that little longer to stroll around the supermarket, or stop by the facial parlour on the way home, do it. Rest a lot, drink lots of water and exercise whenever you can.
The Art of Delegation
Just because you handle most of the circus, doesn’t mean you have to do absolutely everything yourself. You really don’t. Find a way to make chores fun for your kids and get your elderly parents to play children’s entertainer every now and then – storytelling, painting, playing music all that sort of stuff. There are ways you can keep all the plates spinning, it just requires other people to get involved.
Hire Some Help
We get it. We don’t live in a utopian society full of hands-up liberals and so finding long-term volunteers can be hard to come by. That’s when hiring help could be the answer you’ve been hoping to find. It could be chatting to your dear old mom and dad about enjoying the festivities and independence at somewhere like Anglican Care or it might just be a carer comes in for a couple of hours while you head off to soccer practice. Flip it on its head and it might be that you get a babysitter in so that you can take dad to the doctors. Even a cleaner once a week can make your grey hairs go dark again.
Friendly Finances
Time pressures are only part of it. The other thing that will get stretched is your finances. Yay! Unfortunately, there’s not much to say on this apart from: make your finances a priority.
