Is Family the Most Important Part of Your Life? Prove It
Farming is getting far more complex, says Ted Matthews, director of Rural Minnesota Mental Health Support. It requires so much energy over a short period of time. Because of that, it’s more important than ever that farmers take care of themselves.
Things happen so fast on the farm that stress points can change so quickly, AgriTalk’s host Chip Flory points out.
“As farmers, you got to make hay while the sun shines,” adds co-host Davis Michaelson. “When the soil is ready, you got to put seed in it because tomorrow, it might be raining. Tomorrow, it might be different. You have to get it done now.”
That sense of urgency and frenzy makes it hard to keep stress levels down. Not to mention the constant pressure of financial security and farm profitability. Because of this, Matthews recommends focusing on what matters most.
“When I ask about the most important thing in their life, every farmer I’ve ever asked says family. Then I say ‘Prove it. Show them how important they are,’” Matthews says.
Spending time with family and prioritizing them shouldn’t be lip service.
“Show up, do things with your family and know that's a part of the whole when it comes to farming," Matthews says. "Farming is not just about planting and harvesting. It’s part of the family dynamic. It’s the bonds we create, and we don’t create bonds if we're not working together.”
One of the best ways to relieve stress is to communicate. Stress can really interfere with our ability to communicate with each other, Matthews says.
“The more we pull back, the higher the stress level gets,” he says.
Good communication requires staying in touch with the rest of your family and team – paying attention to what they say and paying attention to their stress levels, Matthews adds.
“You can really show your team members respect by talking to them about the issues that might cause some stress going down the road and being sensitive to that,” Flory says. “It comes down to your number one thing, Ted, and that is communication.”
It’s true, Matthews says, that people can't read your mind.
“They don't know how you're feeling or going through unless you tell them,” he says. “Your family loves you and will support you and help you through it. So, say it.”
Click here to download the eBook "Your Guide to Mental Health."
Read More about Mental Health & Wellness:
By Her Own Hand: A Farm Girl’s Miraculous Journey from Death to Hope
Pay Attention to Warning Signs of Stress
5 Ways to Work Through Difficult Times
Lack of Understanding Leads to Loneliness in Farmers
Toxic Grit: Is Our Greatest Strength Our Greatest Weakness on the Farm?
Farmers, Ranchers Have Ways to Manage Stress
Suicide Prevention: Your Worth Isn't Measured By The Markets
Don’t Let Social Distancing Lead to Social Isolation
Connect With Farmers In-Person On Mental Health
