By Dr. Macie Smith
For members of the sandwich generation, summer often doesn’t mean vacation season; instead, it comes with new demands and new routines. Schools are out, work schedules shift, and now you need to figure out how to make your schedule work for the next three months.
As easy as it may be to put your own well-being on the back burner to juggle the needs of your aging parents and growing children, it’s critical that you remember to prioritize your own health and peace of mind. Here are a few simple ways you can do just that this summer.
Build a Summer Routine That Works for You and Your Family
For many of us, routine keeps us grounded – having a consistent daily rhythm reduces stress and helps us stay on top of our responsibilities. During the early chaos of summer, try to establish a regular routine just as if it were any other time of year.
Build out a flexible schedule that includes caregiving tasks, the activities you need to help the kids with, and most importantly, time for you to step back and enjoy yourself. Give yourself some grace when it comes to leaving time for breaks, walks, or social events. Be flexible, but not when it comes to sacrificing “me time.”
Set Clear Boundaries to Protect Your Time and Energy
Some flexibility is good, especially when unforeseen circumstances arise. However, having boundaries can be just as important. Saying “yes” to everything is the easiest way to overload your plate and burn yourself out. You need boundaries to protect your well-being and to make sure you have the energy to get the important things done.
Be realistic with not only your family, but also yourself, about what you can take on. If your parents want to go somewhere on the same day that you need to take your kids to and from multiple places, then calmly communicate that they need to choose another day.
Recharge with Healthy Habits: Nutrition, Fun, and Self-Care
Long summer days and longer to-do lists can wear you down both physically and mentally. As easy as it may be to skip meals, social events, or pass on your favorite recreational activities, it’s never in your best interest.
Stay on top of your diet – with balanced meals and plenty of water – and don’t lose touch with your favorite sources of fun. Take trips to the farmer’s market, spend time outside, and talk to your friends. Meals and snacks can fuel you physically, while fun can fuel you mentally.
Tap Into Your Support Network – You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Friends aren’t just there to help you have a good time – they can also be an incredible support system. Whether it’s a neighbor, a family friend, or a trusted colleague, they can all provide essential support.
If your friends have children the same age as yours, explore carpool options. If you trust your parents’ neighbors, they can keep an eye on them while you’re away. You always have some type of access to a support system; you just need to be willing to tap into it.
If you’d rather go the professional support route, SYNERGY HomeCare and its team of trained caregivers are also always available. With flexible respite care options, SYNERGY HomeCare can keep your loved ones well attended to and can keep you fresh to enjoy your summer.
You can inquire further about local SYNERGY HomeCare respite options here. For further consultation, you can call SYNERGY HomeCare at 877-432-2692.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
