The farm doesn't stop just because it's Christmas, and while the tendency may be to push on, you could be doing yourself a disservice.
As Farmstrong, New Zealand’s rural wellbeing programme, points out: “you are your farm’s most valuable asset”. Your health and wellbeing, and that of your family, should be part of your farm business plan.
Farmstrong has a range of practical tools and resources for farmers, growers, and rural workers to manage stress and pressure and keep “farm fit”.
Focus on what you can control
Based on current weather forecasts, a variety of weather patterns are in-store for different parts of the country this summer, which will impact farm life. This is out of our control, so focus on what you can manage within your farming practice.
Get off the farm
If you can, get off the farm for a while. It doesn’t need to be for weeks at a time – even a mini-break of a few days or an afternoon can do wonders for your mind and body.
If getting away over the Christmas or summer period isn’t feasible then book some time off for a later date. Lock in the dates in the farm calendar. Have something to look forward to.
Keep things simple over Christmas
One way to ease the load over this period is to manage Christmas stress and expenses.
Christmas doesn’t have to be an extravagant event. Manage your expectations and those of your family and friends – work out a budget and stick to it. Plan ahead, look for bargains and get items delivered to you on the farm – this can save you time and energy and money. This applies to presents and also food for the holiday period.
Don’t spread yourself thin. Invite people to you for the Christmas period – this way you’re not travelling around appeasing everyone. Better still, get them to bring a plate. Above all, enjoy the day!
Share the load
Learning to delegate and trust others is a game-changer. Trust others to get things done, even if they do it a little differently to how you do it. Train others to take your place.
Try something different
Short breaks come in many forms and don't always mean leaving home. Try a new sport, or revive an old one, read a book or magazine or listen to a new podcast, anything that gives you energy and helps you to see the world a little differently. The mind needs refreshing.
For more information and resources on managing your health and wellbeing visit your local Farm Source store, jump on the Farmstrong website or visit the Farm Source Health and Wellbeing portal.