Living in the Middle
Finding Balance Between Caring, Screen Time and Self-Care
We live in a world that pulls us in every direction—emails that never stop, people who need us, and a digital world that never sleeps. For a lot of us, in the thick of modern life, balance can feel more like a buzzword than a reality.
What if the answer isn’t choosing between self-care or caring for others… between screen time or presence… between doing or resting? What if the answer is living in the middle—consciously, gracefully, and without guilt?
Let us explore how to reclaim your free time and fill it with meaning—not perfection. It’s about finding space for yourself and others, for real-life connection and online joy, all in a way that actually supports the life you want to live.
The Importance of Self Care for Caregivers
The question of the right balance between free time and work, between personal, friendly and professional connections and obligations, has occupied me my whole life so far. I've noticed that many of us are so fit that we sometimes invest a lot of time on one side or the other of the spectrum and end up feeling very uncomfortable and exhausted.
Either we are only there for work or only for the family and forget to meet up. If we only do something for ourselves, it's also difficult to understand whether this is the right thing to do when we also miss our family and friends very much.
Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Burned-out caregivers are less effective and can often feel resentful of their responsibilities. To show up as your best self for those you’re caring for, it’s vital to carve out time for your personal well-being. Here are a few suggestions for incorporating self-care into your routine:
Start small: Things like enjoying your morning coffee without interruptions, journaling, or taking a short walk can make a big difference.
Create rituals and routines: Establish consistent practices, like a quiet hour in the morning or a skincare ritual before bed, that allow you to unwind.
Say yes to support: Leverage help from friends, family, or professional services when needed. Sometimes, the best self-care is accepting help.
Incorporating slow living practices, like Capsule Wardrobes or Rituals and Routines, can help you simplify decision-making and routines, creating more time for what truly matters.
Finding Balance with Screen Time
Screens are both a blessing and a curse in a caregiver’s life. They entertain children, help caregivers juggle tasks, and offer an escape for much-needed downtime. But too much screen time can hinder relationships and well-being.
Here’s how to strike the right balance for everyone in your household:
For your kids: Establish boundaries around screen time, like no screens during meals or just before bedtime. Encourage alternative activities like interactive play, reading, or exploring seasonal styles and décor adaptations for your home.
For yourself: Be mindful of how screen time impacts your personal well-being. Instead of endlessly scrolling, use screens with intention—for journaling, planning your daily rhythm, or catching up with friends.
Family screen time: Choose activities that allow everyone to engage together, such as watching a family movie, sharing online learning experiences, or planning family activities like shopping with intention for seasonal items or holiday preparations.
Setting and Protecting Boundaries
When you're a caregiver, everyone seems to need "just five more minutes." But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting others out; it’s about preserving your well-being so you can give your best to others.
Say no, guilt-free: It’s okay to decline favors or requests for help when you’re feeling stretched.
Define personal time: Designate specific hours where you focus on yourself, whether it’s afternoon tea, exercise, or quiet reading.
Communicate clearly: Be open about your limitations and what you need to maintain balance. Open communication is a key element for creating reasonable expectations within your family.
Support Networks and Resources for Caregivers
Caregiving often feels lonely, but remember, you’re not alone. There are many resources and communities designed to offer support, empathy, and advice:
Local support groups: Seek out community meetups for caregivers that allow you to share experiences and learn from others.
Online forums: Platforms like Reddit or Facebook groups can provide safe spaces to vent or exchange ideas.
Professional help: Don’t hesitate to consult experts, like therapists or life coaches, to guide you in managing the pressures of caregiving.
Open Communication within Families
Healthy communication is the backbone of finding balance. Check in with your family members regularly and express both your needs and willingness to listen to theirs.
Family meetings: Hold short weekly meetings to discuss schedules, responsibilities, or needs.
Encourage transparency: Create a safe space where family members feel comfortable sharing feelings or frustrations.
Compromise where needed: Whether it’s negotiating chores or agreeing on shared screen times, give everyone a voice in shaping family routines.
Planning for a Balanced Life
To maintain balance in caregiving, organization is key. Consider implementing tools like daily rhythm planning, which involves mapping out your day in advance to include time for caregiving, personal breaks, and family fun. Planning with intention allows you to prioritize your energy and nurture both your loved ones and yourself.
Finding balance as a caregiver isn’t easy, but it’s possible. It requires prioritizing self-care, managing screen time with intention, setting boundaries, leaning on available resources, and fostering open communication.
If you’re ready to take small but meaningful steps toward creating balance, why not start today? Begin with one change, whether it’s setting a boundary or creating a Capsule Wardrobe to simplify daily decisions, and watch how it transforms your days.
Looking for more personalized tips? Join our community where you’ll find resources, inspiration, and support for your unique caregiving journey. Together, we can redefine what it means to live in the middle.