With people living longer than ever before, more and more individuals find themselves sandwiched between caring for their children and caring for their aging parents.

Coping with our fast-paced, always-connected world is stressful enough, but when you add double or triple the family responsibilities, well, it quickly gets overwhelming. 

You’re probably losing time and energy worrying about things that aren’t getting done or things you have to do next. You may not realize just how much physical and mental stress you are under, or how much that has been sapping your effectiveness at work and at home. Guilt may be a constant companion. While you take care of your parents, you may feel that you’re not doing enough for your children, and vice versa. 

You may experience feelings of grief and loss, as you see your parents changing and the roles of your family shifting. You may also feel fearful and anxious about your parent’s mortality, and that gets you thinking about your own.

With all of the extra time you need to take care of others, there is less time—if any—to spend on yourself and the things that recharge you. Throw in a pandemic for good measure and you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed.

Here are five ways to take care of yourself while taking care of your aging parents:

• First, meet your own needs. You can’t help anyone else if you are so sapped of energy and joy that you are exhausted and miserable. Block out time every day for something that’s just for you. Give attention to your emotional, spiritual and physical needs. Protect that time as your most important appointment—because it is! Your Alignment First corrective exercises can function perfectly as the foundation of a daily practice of self-care.

• Get support for your parents. Seek out government and community resources for home care, medications, support groups, mobility aids and adaptive equipment. Keep organized records of your parents’ medical history, as well as the contact information and recommendations of everyone you consult with. You will rest easier knowing that professionals are involved and you’re not trying to make decisions that you’re not qualified to make.

• Get support for yourself. Reach out to supportive friends or family members; even a short phone call can give you a much-needed lift. Also, consider accessing a support group, individual therapy, or counseling. In the age of COVID, lockdowns and social distancing, the danger of feeling alone and overwhelmed is real, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential solutions available.

• Banish guilt. Acknowledge the efforts you’re making and accept that you’re doing your best. If you notice yourself feeling guilty, ask yourself if you would want someone in the same situation as yours to feel guilty. Of course, the answer is NO.

• Celebrate life and family. As your family changes, focus on remembering and sharing positive memories of your life together. Also, create new rituals and traditions that everyone can participate in, such as games, crafts or walks. 

Start right now with even one of these strategies. It will feel like a breath of fresh air, loosening the grip of your tightly packed life and infusing your entire family with renewed energy and joy. 

If I haven’t seen you for reassessment for over a year, it’s time to get that taken care of. Let’s make sure “your wheels are still on straight” and you’re practicing the right Alignment First exercises. Yes, you owe it to yourself, but you also owe it to your family. They need you.

Call Claudia at 403.719.9192 and let’s get you back on track.

I’ll see you soon.

Yours in health,

Geoff Dakin 

Alignment First Inc.

“Get in shape & stand up straight”