Invest in connections
The Southland Times and the Rural Southern Wellness Activity Team have joined forces this week showing how to support farming families.
Isolation can be quite compounding, especially when you are feeling down or facing challenging times. The more you stay isolated or ‘‘hidden away’’, the harder it can be to reach out to others and to let them know you might be struggling.
That is why the Rural Southern Wellness Activity Team is encouraging farmers and people in the rural industry to keep connecting with others.
And you know what, there is such a thing as a free lunch!
The Rural SWAT team are attending or staging as many events as they can to touch base with farmers and to let them know they are supported.
Lots of good things are happening. Farmlands Cooperative Society Ltd sponsored a recent barbecue, and the turnout was great.
A west Otago farmer said: ‘‘It was great to be able to catch up with a couple of people that I hadn’t seen since the kids left school!’’
And, even if you can’t get to events, it’s important the farming community realises that everyone has off days, so cut yourself some slack.
Connect with others
Connect with your mates or your family to help share the load of what you might be going through.
Talking with others about challenges and frustrations really helps in tough times. Remember, it’s not all happening to only you. Others will be in the same boat.
Spend time with people you know to be supportive and encouraging. A phone call, video chat or even a quick text conversation can all be part of a meaningful relationship.
Investing time in these relationships when the going is good means that on those days when things are a bit more challenging, it’s easy to have a chat with someone who gets it.
When you can make the time, there are plenty of ways to connect in different ways. Join workshops, discussion groups, and field days. You can learn, have a chat with neighbours, and often get that free lunch too!
Invest in yourself or in your business via a consultant, business mentor or life coach.
Join community volunteer groups. Giving back is proven to help lift spirits.
Take time to go and watch your kids/friends play sport if you don’t play yourself. People always get chatting on the sideline.
Drop in on a neighbour for a cup of tea, or invite them over for a catch-up.
If you’re invited to an event, say yes. The person asking just might need your company.
It doesn’t matter so much how you connect with others, the important thing is that you do.
Everyone has off days, so cut yourself some slack.