Trade war. Ethanol headaches. Daunting price outlooks. 2020 has been overwhelming for so many reasons — and that’s not even considering the pandemic. “It has forced us to rethink our futures,” says John Phipps, Illinois farmer and Top Producer columnist. “And that process has not lifted too many spirits. These influences on our attitudes and outlooks are real, continuing and confounding.” Here are some ways to fight discouragement.
Make your phone calls more effective.
Find someone to talk to about the mundane things of your day, Phipps says. Use video, when possible, as it adds another helpful dimension to communication.
Build in time to exercise.
“The endorphins of an exercise routine can be beneficial,” says David Kohl, professor emeritus of ag finance at Virginia Tech University. “My former basketball coach stressed it is important to take a negative outcome and turn it into a positive one through exercise.”
Fix something.
Consider tackling your job of doom — that project you have been postponing and dreading the longest. Making even small things better, reinforces your sense of control over your circumstances, Phipps says.
Lose the sarcasm.
Sarcasm is in great surplus. This constant stream of micro-humiliation has not only dulled our humor, but it has made us more sensitive, Phipps adds. The loss of facial signals due to masks doesn’t help.
To hear more from John Phipps on how to keep your chin up, visit AgWeb.com/Phipps-COVID
