What Baywatch Taught Me About the Need for Self-Care

The Sandwich Generation

Are you in the company of the “Sandwich Generation”?  In other words, are you one of those folks who are both rearing children and also caring for an ailing parent.

If so, it’s probable that you’re feeling a lot of of stress because of the many competing demands placed upon you frequently by your family – and that doesn’t even include the ones coming from your job, your company, or today’s repression.

Too Much Sacrifice Is Not A Good Idea

Do you ever feel as though that you’re continually giving to the other members of your family, at your own expense.  You’re pulled from one thing to another chauffering the kids to school and athletic activities, or driving your extended family to doctors and other elder services, but you never seem to have any time to stop, relax, put your feet up, and go swimming, watch tv, or simply do nothing.

In fact, even if you could find a few minutes in your schedule for such things, chances are you would choose not to do them anyway, because doing so would cause you to feel as if you were ignoring your obligations and your responsiblities to your loved ones.

I used to think like that too – that I was the one that was expected to sacrifice my time, energy, career and interests so that I could take care of the family.

Priorities Guide Decisions

But, one night, watching the TV show, Baywatch – an episode where one of the lifeguards had swum out underneath a jetty in very heavy seas, with the waves slapping forcefully against the posts of the jetty.  The inexperienced lifeguard came to the point where he realized that the current were so strong that they were slamming him and his rescue toward a decidely unpleasant impact with one of those pilings.

His first thought was that he ought to set his body between the injured swimmer and the pilings and take the full burden of the expected impact.

But, then he understood that if he allowed himself to take the hit, he might be made unconscious – or otherwise, seriously injured.  And, if he got hurt or incapacitated, the chances were very good that both of them would be lost.

Hard Choices & Unpopular Choices

So, he rapidly determined that if either of them had to get smashed against the piling, it would have to be the person he was rescuing.  As the lifeguard, he needed to remain strong, and alert, in order to ensure that they both made it to shore, and to safety.

I took a lesson from that episode, and have since applied it in my life in both personal and business situations.

As strange as it may seem, when the caregiving situation is so crucial, it is imperative that the supporter stay strong and healthy.

Not many of us are faced with the lifeguard’s decision about who to allow to be dragged into the pilings, but many of us do have to deal – on a daily basis – with difficult choices about doing things for others or taking time for ourselves to rest, recuperate. and in general, to chill out from the constant demands of the helper’s existence.

A Little “Selfishness” Is Appropriate

I recommend that you take the time required for yourself to keep your immune system healthy, to keep your attitude positive and your spirits bright; otherwise, you won’t be helping the people you care most about, but rather, you will simply increase the stressors that are already present.

The meaning of this narrative is that the helper must be a little bit selfish when it comes to ensuring his or her health and well-being – and ongoing ability to continue to be the family caregiver.

So, be sure to take good care of yourself – and don’t feel apologetic about it when you do.

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Tags: Caregivers, choices, decision-making, fitness, health, relationships, Self-Care, stress management