Prioritize tasks that align with your values. Issues often surface that seem urgent in the moment but are actually not essential. These matters can easily trump more meaningful activities. Decide where your priorities fall so that you can make decisions about what is important to you in the moment. This way when you naturally can’t get to everything, you can feel a sense of satisfaction that you have accomplished tasks that are of high value. Let go of perfectionism. We often place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. Reduce guilt related to feeling inadequate when it comes to meeting all demands, by bringing your best self to everyday tasks. Accept that you’re giving it your all and look at missteps as opportunities for growth. Make time for fun. Create opportunities to engage in enjoyable activities by embedding fun into roles, even if only for 10-15 minutes. A non-preferred task can turn into something enjoyable when you shift your perspective. Fold laundry while listening to a podcast or catching up with a friend, for example. Actively notice the enjoyable everyday moments. Becoming absorbed in small moments of joy and being present to experience them can help switch off daily responsibilities and enhance positive emotions. Remember your why. Bring conscious awareness to the importance of your current role. When faced with challenging or unpleasant tasks, remind yourself that you will feel the benefits later on, which can help provide a buffer to in-the-moment stress. Celebrate small successes. It’s often not easy to see how your hard work is paying off until you look back on your efforts and notice how certain sacrifices have paid off. Take a moment to acknowledge the outcome of your actions, especially when you might not receive positive affirmation from others. Sometimes a perspective shift can help when managing the complexities of balancing multiple roles. Your Employee Assistance Program is also available to support you. Reach out for referrals to counselors, childcare, summer camps, adult care, in-home services, and much more. The contents of this article and referenced websites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the site are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided by these websites is solely at your own risk. Acentra™ Health is not responsible for the contents of any “off- site” web page referenced from this server. Acentra Health. All rights reserved. Employee Assistance Program The Sandwich Generation: Coping with Multiple Roles An increasing number of individuals are juggling two roles simultaneously – caring for their own children and their aging parents. Many are also balancing workplace demands. The following are some strategies to help manage the pressure that comes with fulfilling these roles. Evans, K, et al. “Working Sandwich Generation Women Utilize Strategies Within and Between Roles to Achieve Role Balance”. National Library of Medicine. Accessing December 22, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4909236/ 24/7/365 PHONE: 1.844.243.4440 WEBSITE: usg.mylifeexpert.com Code: USGCares Anytime, any day, you have access to mental health professionals available to connect you with free and confidential services and resources to help you be your best. Simply call to get started today. Your Employee Assistance Program
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