Being a member of the sandwich generation often means putting yourself last. When you’re juggling the care needs of elderly parents and dependent children—while managing a career and household—it can feel like there’s no time left for your own wellbeing. But self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
At Country Cousins, we understand how overwhelming life can be for family carers. That’s why we’re here to help you build resilience, protect your health, and find balance—without guilt.
Why Self-Care Matters More Than Ever
Chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout are all too common among sandwich carers. When you’re stretched too thin, both your mental and physical health can suffer—leading to:
- Insomnia or sleep disruption
- Anxiety or depression
- Weakened immunity and frequent illness
- Strained relationships and emotional outbursts
- Difficulty making decisions or focusing
Neglecting yourself can also impact the quality of care you give to others. That’s why prioritising your wellbeing is one of the most important steps you can take—for you and your family.
Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s okay to say no. You are not a machine, and you cannot meet everyone’s needs all the time.
- Be clear about your limits with family, employers, and friends
- Block out non-negotiable time for yourself—even 10 minutes helps
- Avoid overcommitting to tasks outside your bandwidth
Boundaries protect your energy and prevent resentment from building.
Don’t try to do it all alone. Reach out to friends, family, neighbours, and professionals.
- Talk to your GP about mental health support
- Join online communities like Carers UK or The Sandwich Generation Network
- Share tasks among siblings or extended family
- Ask for practical help when you need it—school runs, meals, or admin tasks
Even small acts of support can lift the load significantly.
Your wellbeing matters. Whether it’s five minutes of quiet, 30 minutes of movement, or one therapy session a month—do what works for you.
- Eat nourishing meals regularly (not just leftovers on the go)
- Try gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga
- Aim for quality sleep—even if short
- Journal, meditate, or just sit with a cup of tea in silence
These small habits restore your energy and mental clarity.
Technology can be your ally. Use apps and calendars to help manage the moving parts of care and family life.
- Shared Google calendars for appointments
- Medication reminders and pill organiser apps
- Task management tools like Todoist or Trello
- Care management apps like Jointly or Birdie
Organising tasks visually can help reduce overwhelm and ease coordination with others.
Sometimes, self-care means getting external support.
- Therapy or counselling can offer vital emotional processing
- Speak to a care advisor to explore respite or live-in care options
- Don’t hesitate to call Trinity—we’re here to help lighten the load
Your mental health deserves attention just like your physical health.
How Country Cousins Helps You Care For Yourself, Too
Our team at Country Cousins provides trusted, high-quality care that gives sandwich carers the breathing space they need.
Whether it’s a few hours a week or 24/7 support, we’ll help create a care plan that:
- Respects your family’s routine and values
- Provides expert support for your elderly loved one
- Frees you to focus on your children, your job—or simply yourself
We believe carers need care too. And we’re here to make that possible.
