The Sandwich Generation is tired and typically they are running on adrenaline. Quite often when I get to speak with these loving and hard working men and women it is when they have taken a moment to catch their breaths. This is when it hits them: they are tired. When they are not actually helping out their parents and their children they are worrying about them. What exhausts you the most? The running around? The worrying? The lack of time for yourself? All of it? Most importantly, what gets you through?

I have been to the brink of exhaustion, to the point that when I was 30 years old, my body hurt so bad and I was so fatigued that I felt like a 70 year old in a 30 year old body. It was at that point I realized that I truly had to find time in my day for me to rest, regardless of what anybody else thought about me. I knew that if I didn't, not only would I suffer but my family and my kids would too. Today I'm thriving, although still somewhat tired, but I make it a priority to find rest daily. No one else even needs to know! Shut off the phone for awhile, that's why we have voice-mail! Most problems don't need to be addressed immediately, they can wait a half hour or so! Only God helped me take the time I needed for myself and helped restore me. During that time I allowed him to give me rest!

Thank you for this post, Jolene. I have heard of similar experiences from other caregivers. It is amazing how this role can catch up with us physically and emotionally. It is wonderful you are able to find time for yourself to rest daily. Taking time for yourself even once a week can make all the difference. The most helpful thing is to have regular times away from the person or people you are caring for to rest and do some things just for yourself. This doesn't need to be for a long period of time- maybe even half an hour to go for a walk. Turn to your caregiver network for help- family, friends, neighbors- about setting up a plan.
Sincerely,
Mary