The Sandwich Generation, who are balancing the care of both their aging parents and their own families, often face overwhelming pressure and neglect their own needs. To maintain overall health, self-care is crucial. This involves being aware of one’s needs, having self-control, and being self-reliant in order to promote optimal health and well-being.
To support this, AXA Philippines launched the “Make Time for Me-Time” campaign. The goal of this campaign is to help the Sandwich Generation address their challenges and achieve holistic health. The famous saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” emphasizes the importance of putting oneself first. Here are some reasons why self-care should be a priority this year:
Managing how your emotions affect your loved ones. Emotions are contagious in nature and those close to you can easily pick up on your moods. Whether you’re happy, upset, or angry, it can affect the people around you. To spread positivity and happiness, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being. By maintaining your own health and happiness, you will emit positive energy that can positively impact those around you. The power of positive thinking can attract good things to both you and those in your life.
Having mental space for happiness. Having adequate rest can improve your overall mood and enhance the enjoyment of leisure activities. On the other hand, when you’re overworked, anxious, or stressed, it can dampen your ability to have fun and experience happiness. Taking regular breaks is crucial in making space for activities that are meant to bring joy and relaxation. When you’re burnt out, you may lose the mental capacity to simply be happy and fully enjoy your planned activities. To maximize your enjoyment of life, it’s important to prioritize rest and make time for rejuvenation.
Treating resting as a necessity, not an option. Living to please others, in an effort to maintain politeness and avoid conflict, often leads to sacrificing personal time and putting others’ needs ahead of your own. This can lead to pushing yourself beyond your limits and putting your body in survival mode. Burnout can then become a vicious cycle. To break out of this cycle, it’s essential to prioritize rest and allow yourself time to recharge and refocus. This can be as simple as setting boundaries and saying “no” to prioritize your own needs and well-being. Taking care of yourself should be a priority, even if it means putting yourself first and setting limits with others.
Keeping yourself healthy. Stress can be a useful tool, but only in moderation. According to research from the University of California, a certain level of stress can enhance alertness and performance. However, excessive stress can weaken your immune system and lead to illness. When your body signals that it’s time to rest, it’s crucial to listen.
Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved ones, and AXA Philippines is here to help you do both. The “Make Time for Me-Time” campaign, launched by AXA Philippines, aims to support individuals in the “sandwich generation” who are juggling the needs of aging parents and their own families. AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nandy Villar says it’s time to leave behind the guilt and commit to self-care.
With AXA Health Care Access, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re covered for all your health care needs. The comprehensive insurance plan includes coverage for prevention, diagnosis, hospitalization, and treatment, with some plans even including teleconsultation and mental health services. AXA also offers health plans specifically designed for women, such as Health Start and Health Start Lite, which cover critical illnesses like cancer, stroke, and heart attack. Global Health Access offers best-in-class global health coverage of up to PHP 100 million, including medical checks, cancer coverage, cash benefits for pregnant women, and more.
In conclusion, taking care of yourself is a crucial component of overall health and well-being. With AXA health insurance, you can also be financially secure, knowing you have a safety net against health issues. Make time for yourself this year and beyond, and enjoy life with your loved ones with peace of mind.
