photo: Patrick Feller, Creative Commons

If you’re part of the Sandwich Generation, you may be struggling with time management issues, financial adjustments, and physical and relational stress. This puts you at risk for stress, depression, and other health problems. Recognizing that you need help is not a sign of weakness but actually a very healthy response. While every situation is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are ways start yourself on a path that will enhance both your caregiving and your wellbeing.

Here are some tips for surviving the Sandwich Generation:

1. Care for yourself first.

This is not an act of selfishness. To be capable of caring for others, you must first safeguard your own health and wellbeing.

Set aside time each day to do something you love, even if only for 10 minutes: read, listen to music, exercise, call a friend, or whatever you most want to do. Protect this time. Attend to your marriage. Listen to your body. Slow down when needed by getting enough sleep and seeking medical advice for any lingering pain. Look for the good in each day and remember to laugh!

2. Communicate.

Encourage children and elders to communicate with one another. Hold a family meeting to discuss the needs of each member. Make sure all family members have a chance to talk about their thoughts and feelings.

3. Ask for assistance.

Caregiving often brings with it the need to manage health issues, reassess finances, adapt to new roles, reallocate time, learn new skills, process emotions, and implement strategies for dealing with stress in healthy ways. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to go it alone.

Seek the support of friends and professionals with experience navigating through this time of transition.  Social workers, nonprofit medical organizations, certified financial planners, and counseling professionals can help you gain perspective, develop strategies, and learn skills that will help you better care for others and yourself.