Less stress. More farming
Anxiety and Stress
Did anyone say farming can be stressful? The multiple uncertainties of the weather, comodity prices, pandemics, insects, supply chains, our health and a myriad of other variables impact farmers like few other professions.
Our Thinking
How we think can have a big impact on how we feel. Sure, if our fields flood that may impact how we feel. But how we think about such events will determine a lot more how we feel, especially longer term. There are techniques to learn and skills you can develop to be able to change your thinking. It can be hard to learn this on your own. Our specialists at this can help you learn how. Call us!
Behavior
How we act also impacts how we feel. For example, anxiety can lead us to isolate ourselves. And yet, not isolating but commiserating with and getting support from others, including just knowing that we're not alone, can positively impact how we feel. Research on farmers has shown that those who seek out more social support generally experienced less stress*. We can help you sort out what actions and behavior you can take to help yourself fee better.
Mindfulness
Research shows that mindfulness can reduce anxiety. Mindfulness is about learning how to respond to stress by focusing on awareness more on what is happening in the present moment, rather than worrying about the future. By learning to focus your awareness on your physical and mental state in the moment, mindfulness allows you to become more centered. In the process you learn to observe your thoughts rather than "be" your thoughts. We notice an anxious thought as an anxious thought instead of taking that thought as the gospel. Some of our counselors are trained in mindfulness and can help your learn these important skills.
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* Schulman, Michael and Paula Armstrong (1990). Targeting farmers for stress reduction. Journal of Extension, v.28 (2).