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What steps help reduce stress in the household? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: When you're raising your own children while also supporting a parent, partner, or relative who needs care, stress in the household is not a sign you're failing.
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  SPEAKER_00: You're managing two sets of needs at once, often with very little time left over for yourself.
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  SPEAKER_00: This is sometimes called being part of the sandwich generation, and the tension you feel is a completely understandable response to real pressure.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, when things feel like they're too much, try box breathing.
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  SPEAKER_00: So breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and then breathe out for four counts.
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  SPEAKER_00: You can just repeat that a few times as this steady rhythm can help your body settle, giving you a moment to respond rather than just to react.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, a lot of the stress in these households comes from trying to meet every need perfectly all the time.
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  SPEAKER_00: It can help to notice when that expectation is running the show and gently try to challenge that.
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  SPEAKER_00: So ask yourself what actually needs to happen today and what can wait or be done imperfectly.
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  SPEAKER_00: And you do not have to be fully present for your children and fully present for the person you care for and fully on top of the house all the same time in the same hour.
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  SPEAKER_00: You can choose where your attention goes on purpose, as this is how you make the caring more sustainable.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, a practical way to support yourself with this is by making a few small changes to the household that can help lower the daily load, such as trying to build in one predictable time each day, even if it is just 15 minutes that belongs only to you, and protect it in the way you would any other appointment.
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  SPEAKER_00: You can also share the loads where you can, talk openly with a partner, older children, or other family members about specific tasks they could take on rather than hoping they'll notice what's needed.
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  SPEAKER_00: And if children are old enough, a simple honest explanation of why things feel different at home can help reduce their confusion and anxiety as well.
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  SPEAKER_00: And you can also keep one shared calendar or a list for appointments and care tasks so nothing lives only in your head.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now if you notice the stress isn't easing, if you're feeling constantly exhausted, irritable or disconnected from your children or the person you care for, or if physical symptoms like poor sleep, headaches or appetite changes are building up, then it's worth speaking to your GP as it can point you towards carers' assessments, respite support or talking therapies.
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  SPEAKER_00: And many areas also have carer support services and young carer services if children are taking on caring roles themselves.
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  SPEAKER_00: You can also find more support and tools around caring for others in the app.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking about harming yourself and feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.