FA R M
L A B O R
I N F O R M AT I O N
B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
October 2021
FREE
Volume 31, Number 10
Brain Health and Emotional Wellbeing
A
S WRITER AMANDA COPLIN ONCE SAID, “You belong to the earth and the earth is hard.” Between work, school, raising a family, paying bills, and all of the other daily activities that life demands, we often forget to prioritize ourselves and our own wellbeing. This reality is even more pronounced in the current COVID-19 pandemic and statewide wildfires. We can’t do many of the things that we used to enjoy like going for a walk outside in the fresh air, or gathering with family members to celebrate a loved one’s birthday. All of the stress of daily life, on top of new challenges with the pandemic and natural disasters, can easily create a cycle of stress and unhappiness, both mentally and physically.
In order to avoid chronic cycles of unwellness, it’s important to incorporate healthy habits into your routine and watch out for worrisome signs of stress whenever possible. Oftentimes, we convince ourselves that we don’t have time for self-care. After all, most days feel like there is barely enough time to accomplish bare minimum tasks like eating, sleeping and working. But if we don’t prioritize taking care of ourselves, everything else in our life suffers. Self-care doesn’t mean being selfish, it means taking care of yourself so that you can take care of everything else. We can all be better parents, employees and members of the community by participating in healthy habits that keep us well, while keeping a lookout for signs that it may be time to ask for help.
Signs to Watch Out For
Despite our best efforts, it’s incredibly easy to spiral into unwellness and because of that, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that it might be time to seek advice or support. Symptoms of stress may sometimes go undetected, mostly because they can show up in ways you might not have realized were stressrelated. Here are some tell-tale signs of stress to watch out for: n Mood swings or long-lasting bouts of sadness n Isolating yourself or avoiding your family, friends or coworkers n Unexpected changes in sleeping, eating or drinking habits n Physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or heartburn n Getting upset at things that typically do not upset you n Lack of focus, or feeling like you have brain fog
Worsening health problems, such as worsening diabetes or asthma Make sure to take extra care if you are going through experiences that are known to cause additional amounts of stress. These can include: n Conflict with family or friends n A major life change, such as divorce or losing a job n Feelings of loneliness (particularly in those who are older) n High stress jobs (being a farmworker during fire season, for instance) n Abusive relationships (physically or mentally) n Dealing with racism, homophobia or other injustices n Addiction or misuse of alcohol or drugs n Death of a loved one All of these experiences are major causes of stress, which can have real repercussions on your mental and physical health. Stress can worsen underlying medical conditions and, if not properly taken care of, make day-to-day life a more difficult, taxing experience. By understanding different kinds of stress triggers, as well as the appropriate ways to cope with stress, you can help take better care of both your emotional and physical wellbeing. Nevertheless, we often tell ourselves that we can handle it on our own, and feel self-conscious about asking for help. But when our car breaks down, we take it to an auto body shop. When our pets become ill, we take them to a veterinarian. And when our children are struggling in school, we meet with their teachers and education staff to figure out a plan. Sometimes we have to do the same things for ourselves. There’s nothing embarrassing about seeking additional resources and support. In fact, it’s a sign of great strength. n
Healthy Habits
Listos California, an organization providing disaster preparedness resources to Californians, recently created an info-packet on wellbeing titled “First Aid for Your Mind.” In it, they’ve compiled many of the healthy habits that are known to increase mental and emotional health among experts and medical professionals. Some healthy habits to get into are: Surrounding yourself with healthy relationships Your relationships are hugely important to your overall wellbeing. It’s important to surround yourself with people who are supportive, caring and bring positivity to your life. You can find these relationships with friends and family members, but also among trusted members of the community like faith leaders and others. In the midst of the current health crisis, it’s crucial to spend time with those we care about, even if you cannot see them in person. Practicing mindfulness Mindfulness doesn’t just mean meditation. It refers to the practice of quieting your mind, being present and focusing on what you’re doing rather than letting your mind wander aimlessly or being consumed with nagging thoughts. You can practice this skill by setting aside a few minutes every day to just sit and be still. You can also practice deep breathing, paying attention to each inhale and exhale. Instead of eating while watching TV, you can eat slowly and pay close attention to each bite, how it tastes and smells. Being present trains your mind to clear out negative thought patterns and instead focus on the current moment. Getting daily exercise For agricultural workers, daily exercise just comes with the territory of being at work every day. Outdoor labor is grueling work and can be extremely hard on farmworkers’ bodies. You can do things to help manage the stress that farmwork puts on your body by stretching every day, enjoying an easy walk or even doing 10 minutes of cardio each day by jogging, running or riding a bike. Daily cardio has been Continued on next page