We probably don’t have to tell you that farming is stressful. It ranks in the Top 10 Most Stressful Occupations in the U.S., according to a 2017 report by CareerCast.com. Farming stress can take its toll on your business, your health, and your relationships.
So how do you manage stress in order to do your best work and be your best in other aspects of your life? First, recognize the symptoms of stress, then learn to manage them the best you can. If it ever gets to be too much, seek help. We all have times when we can benefit from a shoulder to cry on or the input of a professional.
Symptoms of Stress
Stress affects your body, mind, and emotions. You might find yourself lying awake at night with a combination of these symptoms–perhaps your stomach churns while your to-do list endlessly cycles through your mind’s eye. Perhaps anger or sadness sneaks up on you at the worst possible moment. Other physical manifestations might include headaches, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat or clenched teeth. Emotionally, you may find yourself more easily frustrated, yelling more, less patient, or depressed. In terms of behavior, people under a lot of stress may smoke more or drink more alcohol, struggle with change, suffer insomnia, or lash out at those nearby.
How to Manage Stress
In Your Relationships
- Surround yourself with the right people. If you know being around a certain person causes you stress, for example, try to avoid them. As you grow your business, look for staff who not only works hard and is qualified but with whom you share values. Sometimes knowing the person beside you “gets it” makes all the difference in a stressful situation.
- Set boundaries. Say “no” to extra things during busy times. Your child’s school might ask you to volunteer, or a colleague might want to pick your brain over coffee. Helping people can lower stress because it makes you feel good, but be honest about how many hours are in your day.
- Spend time with family and friends. Supportive people can help solve problems or be a listening ear. One of the beauties of farm life is, you might work alongside your family. Cherish that opportunity.
Self Care
- Get moving. You probably get a lot of physical activity already, so find a way to use your body in ways you don’t typically. Stretch cramped, aching muscles with yoga. If you spend a lot of time sitting, such as on a tractor, do something that gets you on your feet. If, on the other hand, your feet ache, try swimming for exercise.
- Sleep well. A good night’s sleep can help reduce blood pressure and stress hormones. Although a farm never sleeps, you owe it to yourself and your business to prioritize adequate rest. Delegate chores if you have to, or grab a nap in the middle of the day.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Simply taking three slow, deep breaths can make a difference. To take your relaxation deeper, explore meditation or tai chi (a kind of moving meditation).
- Do things you enjoy. Make time for fun activities, even a few minutes a day. Read a book, listen to music, watch your favorite TV show.
- Avoid negative coping strategies. Abusing drugs or alcohol, smoking, excessive eating, or excessive escapist behavior will not help in the long run. And it can pull you away from the important work of farming. If you need to, get help to control your dependence on these things.
- Take pride in yourself. Notice what you have accomplished rather than what you failed to do. Give up on perfection.
Planning and Organizing
- Get organized. A to-do list can help you focus on the most important task at hand. Approach large projects one step at a time. Keep important dates on your calendar.
- Let technology take on some of the work. New tools arrive all the time in the form of everything from mobile apps to drones. Look for options to lower your workload and remove some of that stress!
The Payoffs of Less Stress
It takes discipline and daily practice at controlling events, attitudes and responses to minimize stress. But the payoffs are huge: better health, better relationships, and a more enjoyable life on the farm.
PHOTO: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain