Wellness Tools
Develop a Strong Social Network
- Take 15 minutes each day for uninterrupted conversation with a spouse or family member.
- Get involved or stay connected with a friend or group of friends.
- Don’t shut out friends and family.
- Reconnect with old friends.
Be Aware
- Know your stressors and how your body reacts to stress.
- Accept that some stressors are out of your control. Work towards a solution instead of focusing on things you cannot change.
Nurture Yourself
- Exercise 20 minutes or more daily (walk, swim, ride a bike, etc).
- Get regular medical checkups with a local healthcare provider.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet.
- Spend time outside in the fresh air.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Find hobbies or activities that you enjoy and that take your mind off things that create stress.
Establish Goals
- Spend 10 minutes to plan your day and prioritize your tasks.
- Plan ahead for stressful seasons and delegate work appropriately.
- Discuss needs of the farm operation but do not let them occupy all other aspects of life.
- Seek constructive feedback on your farm operation and ways to grow or improve it.
- When you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by a situation, take a step back to simply assess what is before you. Brainstorm possible solutions, and then break them down into manageable steps. Then move forwards, one step at a time.
Cultivate a Productive Mind
- Take regular 5-10 minute breaks in your day to relax and recharge.
- Share concerns with a counselor or other professional.
- Learn to say NO to extra commitments.
- Use helpful self-talk. Tell yourself you can adapt and overcome any challenge. Remind yourself you’ve faced hard times before and you can do it again.
- Practice deep breathing to calm your mind and help you focus. Inhale deeply five times and exhale slowly. This can also help improve sleep and can help with chronic pain.
- Reflect on any moment that made you feel comforted and content. Close your eyes and relive that moment.
Our resources are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are in a crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately.