Safeguarding Mental Health on the Farm
This season has brought about a lot of exasperation in the agricultural community. Discussions revolve around the weather and associated frustrations. A sense of disappointment, even anger, can be felt in the air—and situations like these leave many people feeling hopeless. This can impact your mental health. It can be incredibly difficult not to see your projects unfold as expected, despite all the efforts you put in.
During such times, you must remind yourself that you cannot control everything just by racking up overtime hours. However, this mindset seems to be rampant among farmers in periods of uncertainty. It’s crucial to learn how to identify what is outside of your control so that you can better invest your energy where it truly makes a difference.
A Few Tools to Lighten Your Mental Load
New research indicates that following a business plan helps farmers cope with stress and contributes to peace of mind. Similar business management resources can be of invaluable help when everything seems unstable. They force you to take the time to sit down, relax and think of an action plan that can efficiently address different possible scenarios.
And of course, it’s essential to seek help when you need it. Do not wait before talking to someone who can support you! Your mental health is the number one key to your success, especially in a field that puts all your capacities to the test.
Farming should always be a source of pride, even in times of failure. Your worth as a farmer is based on much more than record crop harvests during good seasons. Agriculture is a trade that requires ingenuity, flexibility and resilience.
Here is your mantra for the year: “I can’t control the weather.” Repeat it as often as you need!
Source: Farm Management Canada.