When the going gets tough, the tough get going
In such hard times, especially when the farming community stares another devastating drought in the eye, we should develop a thick skin if we are to sail through such looming drought and other farming hardships. One of the best approaches is to find ways to handle our stress levels to be able to continue doing what we love, despite the odds stacked against us as farmers.
During the last couple of decades, researchers have learned how successful farmers and families effectively manage their stress by discussing their stress management methods with them. Some of these actions involve preparing ourselves physically and emotionally to deal with stress.
Other actions, such as planning and education, involve minimising confusion and ambiguity, and bolstering our levels of “hope” and perceived control. It is important to recognise that it is impossible to eliminate all stress in any job, but effective management is possible.
Firstly, you are what you eat. No farm operator would ever dream of feeding their animals lousy feed or heading out to the field in a combine with a half-filled tank of low-grade diesel fuel to complete harvest. Yet, when the rush season rolls around, we fill our bodies with cheap fast food and other low-nutrition junk. Or worse, we don’t eat at all.
It’s worth the time to wake up a few minutes early to eat a quick breakfast and pack a nutritious lunch that includes fruits and vegetables to munch on during the day with limited amounts of fatty meats, added sugar and caffeine. An occasional cup of coffee or a can of soda is okay for most people if balanced with plenty of water.
Another thing, according to experts, is exercise. Exercise is a natural and healthy stress reliever. Physical activity provides an outlet for extra energy generated by the chemicals released in the body during stressful situations. Exercise stimulates and even increases the size of the parts of the brain that keep our stress response in check, as well as those needed for good decision-making and problem-solving.
Also, keep your sense of humour. Laughter can change our perception of an adverse situation, and relieves us from the cycle of stress. It’s easier to laugh and regain perspective when we’re around other people, which is a reason why gathering places like coffee shops, restaurants, sporting events and churches are popular places during difficult times.
Most importantly, talk, talk, talk. Openly discussing and airing problems, concerns, fears and frustrations can be constructive and healthy. The process of admitting to worries and fears is sometimes difficult, but when all parties have open and clear access to information and can assist each other in finding solutions, problems become easier to solve. No matter who we talk to, vocalising our concerns will alleviate the confusion and tensions that compound the feelings of stress.
If you are struggling to keep pace with these changes, request support, expertise and assistance from qualified professionals. The choice of whether or not to leave farming is likely one of the most complicated and emotional ones that many farmers and their families will make in their lifetimes, but help is available – do ask.