Multigenerational living is a common living arrangement in some countries, particularly those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America as it offers practicality, convenience, and a way to foster strong family ties. However, recent data reveals that this way of life has become increasingly common in Australian households too. According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, the number of people living in three generational living arrangements rose by 22 percent over five years. This means that hundreds of thousands of people in the country are now living with their elderly parents or extended family members while caring for their young children.
Taking care of all of your loved ones can be grounding since it enables you to form secure attachments. But it also can be exhausting at times, especially if you’re a working mum and you’ve got very young children, or an elderly parent with a health condition. To prevent stress or burn out, it’s important to make a conscious effort to make time for yourself. Doing so allows you to unwind, manage your emotions, and react to difficult situations in a positive and healthy way. Here’s how you can start making time for yourself while looking after your multigenerational family.
Schedule a Mini Getaway
Everyone deserves to go on a vacation every once in a while. But most people caring for their senior parents and young children have some misgivings about going on a holiday, even if it’s just a short one. Keep in mind though that in order to be at your best, you also need to get some respite from all the tasks and the stress that takes up most of your time. Going on a short vacation can be a great way to calm the mind and get some much-needed rest, so make it a point to schedule one for yourself at least once a year.
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of a mini getaway. You can spend the weekend at the beach, or go on a staycation at a nice hotel. Maximise the experience by getting a spa treatment, a massage, and a mani-pedi, then spend the day browsing at shops, watching TV, or stop by a cafe and enjoy a warm beverage and a nice pastry. If you’re not comfortable leaving your family alone, consider getting some help by hiring a babysitter for the weekend to look after the kids. Next, make arrangements for short-term respite care for your elderly loved one if they need help with daily activities or if they require clinical care at home. Knowing that your multigenerational family is being properly cared for can help to put your mind at ease, and it also frees you from feeling guilty, helping you to enjoy your getaway more.
Take Mindful Breaks Everyday
Caring for both your kids and your elderly parents is a job that takes a lot of focus, organisation, and planning. Since you’re doing multiple things for different people, it’s likely that you put all your focus on your tasks and do your best to power through the day. As such, taking a break may be the last thing on your mind when you’re busy thinking about your next task or chore. However, you need to stop an rest for a while to avoid being physically, emotionally, and mentally depleted. It’s easy to feel frustrated, resentful, or moody when you’re tired or emotionally drained, so to keep your spirits up and have a harmonious family life, plan on taking mindful breaks throughout the day.
A mindful break isn’t just about stepping away from your responsibilities, but it’s also about mentally disconnecting to ground you in the present. This type of break leaves you feeling refreshed, recharged, and a lot happier, and it involves doing uplifting activities such as meditating, deep breathing exercises, or going on a short walk around the block. You can also engage in activities that give you a sense of joy or a feeling of satisfaction, such as drawing, colouring, crocheting, or listening to your favourite playlists. Taking some time for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes per day, can help you regain your sense of self and allows you to develop new ideas to care for your family.
Looking after your elderly family members and your kids can result in an extremely busy day, but never forget that you also need some time to recharge to be emotionally and physically healthy. Plan on getting some me time as often as you need it for your wellbeing, and see how it can help you to have a better and happier home life.
