‘What’s the point of stress?’
We are currently enjoying touring New Zealand in our ambulance, measuring the wellbeing of forestry workers. As well as physical health, we are measuring mental and social health with our KYND app. From the many years of doing these checkups, the happiest and most socially healthy person I have tested is a South Island forestry worker. Zero stress, zero frustration and with a score of 99 out of 100 in mental and social wellness, he sets a new benchmark.
His colleagues, with whom he has worked or 30 years, and wife all say they have never seen him stressed, flustered or bothered. When asked why, he simply states ‘‘What’s the point?’’ He enjoys the right amount of holidays, has a great family, a job, a sense of purpose, great sleep, and he is happy. We were invited for dinner with him and the rest of his logging crew. The amount of banter, humour and camaraderie around the table was palpable. Apparently, all logging crews in Canterbury are family businesses. Many we met have been working together in the bush with their friends and family for more than 30 years. The equipment is changing and with more mechanisation, there is less risk.
On a calm Canterbury day, surrounded by trees and views of the hills, the plains and the coast, it’s a magnificent landscape. The scent of cut pine and being under a cloudless sky while surrounded by your mates must surely add to your wellbeing account. Having worked in forestry for a few years before heading to medical school, the aromas and vistas bring back memories of what a joy it is to work outside with your mates on a sunny day.
It is, however, a whole different ball game when the wind howls and the sleet slams into your skin, the water runs down the back of your neck and your spine shivers. That why it’s important to bank the good days and make the most of them. But that’s the challenge - and the opportunity of working outdoors and feeling connected to the elements.
Being connected in a team, with no traffic to contend with and no walls to confine you, driving heavy machinery, and battling nature’s elements is a far cry from what most people experience. It’s a complex and a simple life. Having dinner with the crew made us want to head off the next day at 4.30am with them to watch the sun rise and continue the vibe.
I sense most of us may not have an insight into the life and times of a Kiwi forestry worker. To reconnect with the industry and meet the characters who toil tirelessly in this rugged environment is a breath of fresh air.
Like the rest of the population, there is type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety and stress and picking this up early and intervening is good for everyone. Health is safety. Unless you measure wellbeing, it’s a hard to manage it. Wouldn’t it be great to take a leaf out of this forestry worker’s book and have zero stress? It’s a good target to aim for.