How to look after your farm's number one asset

It is difficult not to feel stressed between extreme climatic events, unpredictable markets, financial concerns, social and geographic isolation, and long working hours. 

While you usually cannot change these circumstances, you can change how you cope with them.

Acknowledge and accept

Acknowledge and accept that some stressful situations are out of your control and just the way they are for now. This will free up space in your brain to think about how to best cope with uncontrollable problems and what actions to take to reduce controllable problems. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means recognising the reality of your situation and making thoughtful decisions based on that reality.

Get support

Identify peers, industry groups, and professional services that can assist you. They have the experience and skills to work through the situation with you. Whether it’s a farming organisation providing updates and advocacy, financial advisors helping to navigate economic impacts, or mental health professionals offering emotional support, reaching out is a crucial step in managing stress. Engaging with support networks can also provide a sense of community, reminding you that you are not alone in facing these challenges. Don’t forget who’s in your own backyard as well, your spouse or good friend might be a good person to reach out to first.

Lean on others

Lean on your family and friends – they want to be there for you, whether that is by making you laugh or commiserating with you. Sharing your concerns with trusted individuals can alleviate some of the emotional burdens. Sometimes, just talking about your problems can provide relief and new perspectives. Building strong relationships with those around you can create a support system that bolsters your resilience in tough times.

Stay healthy

Although it can be hard to focus on anything other than the stressful situation, maintaining your physical health, sleep, relationships, and fun activities will help you pull through. Physical health directly influences mental health, so prioritise activities like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. Engaging in hobbies or interests can provide a much-needed break from stress and help maintain a sense of normalcy.

Take time out

Just like your machinery, you cannot run on the smell of an oily rag forever. Take time out to do fun activities, like playing or watching sport, enjoying a cuppa, or gardening to refuel yourself. Your greatest farm asset is you, so treat yourself with as much care as you would your best piece of machinery. Scheduling regular breaks and downtime can prevent burnout and keep you functioning at your best.

Give yourself some credit

Give yourself credit for the hard times you have survived, and celebrate the little wins each day, even if it is just the fact that you finished a job a few minutes quicker than you expected. Recognising your achievements, no matter how small, can boost your confidence and motivation. Reflecting on past successes can remind you of your capability to overcome difficulties.

Take stock

Take stock of the good things that happened or the things that you are thankful for each day. This could include being grateful for your family or thankful that you noticed an open gate before any livestock escaped. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right, fostering a more positive outlook.

Give yourself a break

Remember to be kind to yourself – it is OK not to be positive all the time. A general rule of thumb is to treat yourself how you would treat a friend going through the same situation. Self-compassion is essential; it allows you to acknowledge your struggles without judgment and gives you the space to heal and recover.

In conclusion, managing tough times on the farm requires taking action on the things you can control. You don’t need to do all of the steps above, all of the time. Choose what works for you, and start with just one small step. You can navigate these challenges by acknowledging what you can and cannot control, seeking support, maintaining your health, taking breaks, celebrating small wins, practising gratitude, and being kind to yourself. Remember, resilience is not about never falling; it's about getting back up and continuing to move forward.