“Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.” This rule shared by flight attendants is just as applicable on the farm as it is on a airplane.
It doesn’t matter if you call it mental health, rest or today’s trending label of self-care. The point is your health is the most important asset for your operation. As such, you must make it a priority.
“In times of stress, we need to depend on our health for our functionality and decision making,” says Sean Brother-son, an Extension family life specialist at North Dakota State University. “Our health helps us be resilient in times of stress.”
For example, you depend on a combine in the fall to harvest. Just as important as it is to have farm equipment in good working condition when you need it, the same is true for your health, Brotherson says.
Replenish Your Energy
How you can replenish your energy and focus? Consider time away from the farm, sharing your challenges with a con-fidant or a new exercise routine.
These activities don’t take time; they make time. You owe it to your family and team to invest in yourself.
“Think about the consequences if one of our leaders becomes less effective because he or she does not take care of himself or herself,” says Bob Milligan, senior consultant at Dairy Strategies. “That could happen to you.”
You must take care of yourself, Milligan emphasizes, by cultivating your SEEDS:
- Sleep. Sleep deprivation is a major source of poor management and a negative attitude.
- Exercise. Needed to both keep the body in shape and to give the mind time to relax and reflect.
- Eat right. A well-functioning person requires the right fuel just like a fancy sports car or your big equipment.
- Drink water. Many of us become dehydrated when under stress.
- Source of strength. We all need something to ensure we keep our priorities in order. Remember what is truly im-portant in your life.
