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Farming is full of challenges that can take a toll on your mental health, even under the best of circumstances.
But particularly in these uncertain times — when commodity prices are declining and mortgage interest rates are high — identifying ways to support mental and emotional wellness is critically important for farmers. Here are eight ways you can fight stress and take back control of your mental health.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency call 911.
As the stressors associated with farming mount, finding time and space to care for yourself can feel increasingly difficult. But it’s precisely because of these stress factors that you need to practice self-care in the first place.
Everyone has different needs. Find routines or rituals that are going to work for you.
Here are just a few ideas that can help you take care of yourself:
In addition to being good for your physical well-being, exercise has the potential to reduce stress. It’s likely that your daily routine already involves physical activity, but finding time for more recreational exercise — going for a walk, riding a bike, or even online workouts — can go a long way toward self-care.
Remember that old tractor restoration project you started a few years back? Now might be a good time to revisit it. Or maybe there’s a new hobby or household project you’d like to take on. Find something that you can retreat to when you need to lower your stress levels.
Find a new playlist on a streaming music service or dig into a new podcast while in the cab or working in the shop. “Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life,” according to the University of Nevada, Reno. “A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day.”
Ag publications are educational, but it can also help to pick up a book or magazine that will take your mind off of farming for a while. Try a classic novel or check out a magazine covering a topic that interests you.
Whether it’s spending time in prayer or meditation or simply pausing for a few minutes to take in a sunset, embracing silence can bring a sense of calm amid everything going on around you. If silence is too much of a challenge, there are plenty of nature and instrumental tracks you can listen to through an app like Calm.
Make a list of relationships and things for which you are grateful. Gratitude is a helpful practice in any season of life but can be particularly beneficial when you’re experiencing stress.
Finding someone with whom you can talk candidly about issues and struggles you’re facing can help you feel heard and understood. They can also share helpful resources and tips for how to better support yourself through difficult times.
In the event that you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support, here are resources that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — Dial 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now
211 — Dial 211 or visit 211.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
When working through mental health issues, it’s easy to feel alone. It’s helpful to seek the support of others. Reaching out to family or friends is a great place to start. After all, they know you well and care deeply about your wellbeing.
Commit to sharing some of your struggles with people you trust, and talk through ways to address some of the challenges you are facing. There are online forums and groups designed for farmers that can offer you an added sense of connection and remind you that you aren’t alone in these endeavors.
As an FBN member, you can navigate to the Community tab in your FBN app to connect with other farmers, post questions on any variety of topics, and provide support to others.
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