Baby Boomers and The Sandwich Generation in the News
Are you part of the Sandwich Generation like me? We are “sandwiched” between caring for aging parents while supporting our children. Some of you are also supporting and helping to raise grandchildren, you are a affectionately known as a ” Club Sandwich.”
No wonder we are stressed and tired! Many will agree that reversing the parenting roles is fraught with challenges. There is an emotional component to switching roles and trying to get our parents to listen to our wise council. There are times when it just feels unnatural.
We must find time and the energy to take better care of ourselves first, much like when the flight attendants tell us to first put on our own oxygen masks. This would not be my first instinct, how about you?
I recommend a book from Sherri Snelling, A Cast of Caregivers
Here is an excerpt from her book:
“Childish Things Caregivers Can Do To Improve Health and Wellness
When it comes to taking better care of our bodies, our minds and our souls, sometimes we have to revert back to our childhoods. Playing outside, being silly and laughing with friends and acting carefree may actually benefit caregiver health.
Hop, Skip, Jump: Dr. Andrew Weil wrote in Spontaneous Happiness that we are a society suffering from nature deficit disorder. The feel-good oxytocin effect of reveling in a beautiful sunset, watching the ripples in a lake, staring at beautiful vistas rather than at a harsh computer screen or listening to birds tweet instead of the noise pollution of your Twitter feed is what we need. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 91 percent of caregivers in health decline report depression and a Caring.com survey found 1 in 4 caregivers suffer from depression — twice the national average reported by the CDC. Dr. Weil reports key factors leading to depression are: lack of physical exercise, reduced human contact, overconsumption of processed food and an endless desire for technology distractions. Take a cue from childhood: play hopscotch on the sidewalk, take the dog or a friend for a walk, skip to the mailbox, jump rope in the backyard — all these activities cost nothing and help you relive the wonder of being outdoors.”
This post is an excerpt from Sherri Snelling’s book, A Cast of Caregivers
What are you doing to have some fun and de-stress? I welcome your ideas!
