How can you keep your chin up this growing season, which will likely be sprinkled or slammed with stress?
Take a gratitude walk, suggests Dave Gordon, an author and motivational coach. For five minutes each day, walk around your farm and clear your mind of everything stressing you out.
“I started this practice 15 years ago, and it changed my life,” he explains. “Say out loud what you are thankful for. This will set you up for a positive day.”
Gratitude is like a muscle, Gordon says, the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes. Build your muscle by reading uplifting books, spending time with positive people and thanking important people in your life.
“We know people who reflect on gratitude are happier, feel valued and experience fewer health issues,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders. Use Kelly’s tool below to inventory your blessings.
Monitor Your Personal Check Engine Light
Research shows people who work in agriculture tend to have a higher rate of mental and physical health concerns, explains Sean Brotherson, family science specialist for North Dakota State University.
You owe it to your family and team to monitor and manage your stress signals.
“Signs of stress are like the warning signs on your vehicle dashboard,” Brotherson explains. “They indicate there’s a problem with your engine. So, you need to take steps to remedy what’s going on.”
Unhealthy patterns such as headaches, increased irritability, sleep difficulty, increased use of alcohol or drugs, communication difficulties and isolation are all signals to slow down and focus on wellness.
“Health is the most important asset to any operation. If it is the most important asset, it also needs to be the most important priority,” he says.
Brotherson and Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension farm health and safety specialist, offer these suggestions for farmers, ranchers and their families:
- Know the warning signs of stress.
- During stressful times, do a stress self-inventory.
- Slow down and prioritize sleep.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get a physical checkup.
- Seek local resources, including clergy and medical professionals. Talk with other farm families and neighbors.
- Exercise daily. Take regular breaks throughout the day.
For more strategies to cope with stress and a tool to assess your stress zone, visit AgWeb.com/farm-stress
