Sandwich Generation Burnout: Why Social Wellness Matters More Than Ever
The "Sandwich Generation" wakes up every morning with a lot on their plates. They not only have to
provide support for themselves and their own children but also help to take care of aging parents. For
many, this is both physically and mentally exhausting.1 Unfortunately, with so little free time, many of
those in this generation give little attention to their social wellness.
Why Social Wellness is Important
Social wellness is crucial to both physical and mental health. Those who are more socially isolated tend
to suffer from more health concerns than those who lead a more socially active life. Social wellness also
helps improve sleep, mitigates stress, and keeps you mentally sharp. Having a support system to engage
with and help you make tackling life stresses a little easier.
Social Wellness Tips
Even making small changes to improve your social wellness could provide the benefits above. While it
may be hard to find time in the day to work on your social wellness, it is vital to take some time to focus
on yourself and your health. Even the smallest steps towards taking care of yourself can make a difference.
Find a Support System
Surround yourself with people that you can count on and help to boost your mood. Even if the support
circle is small, it could be enough to help you through the rough patches. It is always important to have
someone to lean on and go to for advice when you need it most.2
Find a Hobby
Find something you enjoy doing that gets you out and socializing with others. Be sure to pick something
that brings you happiness and allows you to get your mind off of your home responsibilities, at least for
a little while. If you don't have much time for exercise, consider a physical activity such as hiking or
joining a recreational team. If you want to give your mind a workout, you may want to join a local book
club.2
Work on Communication
Improving your social wellness may mean you have to brush up on your communication skills. Knowing
how to communicate your feelings and emotions properly to your loved ones and those in your support
system helps you avoid some stress and even hurt feelings. Focus on active listening, make appropriate
eye contact and let your body language show you are invested in the conversation.2
Schedule Regular "Me" Time
With so many people to take care of in the home, focusing a few moments on yourself may be low on
your priority list. Taking that quiet time for yourself is crucial to allowing yourself to stay centered and
focused on what you need to do each day. Schedule a half-hour each day where you do something that
relaxes you. Consider taking a bath, meditating, or doing yoga.
Improving social wellness when you have ever-mounting responsibilities may be difficult, but
the mental, physical, and emotional benefits that come with it are worth the effort.
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide
specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation
as to its completeness or accuracy.
This article was prepared by WriterAccess.
LPL Tracking #1106556
Footnotes
1. Why the 'sandwich generation' is so stressed out, BBC.com, https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210128-why-the-sandwich-generation-is-so-stressed-out
2. 5 Steps to Improve Social Wellness, firelandshealth.com, https://www.firelands.com/blog/5-Steps-improve-social-wellness