FARMSTRONG
The five ways to wellbeing Farming, like professional rugby, is a job with a lot of challenges, says Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock. That’s why it’s important to look after yourself by investing regularly in your wellbeing. Here are five great ways to achieve that.
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nternational research has found that people who thrive have five habits in common: • • Staying connected with mates • Keeping active • Taking notice and enjoying the simple things in life
• Learning new things to keep fresh • Giving back to friends and community. “These five habits help keep life in perspective when the going gets tough. That’s why I’ve made them part of my life, because whether you’re a rugby player or
a farmer, there are always going to be things that you can’t control. In rugby it might be the ref, in farming it’s the weather and prices,” Sam says. “I’ve found the Five Ways to Wellbeing make a big difference. They have a positive, cumulative effect over time and make you much more resilient. This gives you something to draw on when you are under pressure. It also makes you healthier and more productive on the farm.” Dairy farmers have been sharing with Farmstrong how they use the Five Ways. Here are a few examples to get you thinking. Dairy farm manager/agribusiness student Cheyenne Wilson says: “It’s easy to withdraw and become isolated in farming. I noticed that happening to myself a couple of times. It’s about recognising that and putting in place strategies from the Five Ways to cope. Mine are: • Surround yourself with a network of people you can reach out to. It can be as simple as having a conversation in the pub. • Keep active – I want to get back to netball fitness, so I can play premier grade again comfortably. I’m a competitive person, but a huge part of it is getting off the farm and socialising as well. • Enjoy the small stuff. Sometimes when I’m working, I just stop the bike and take a moment to enjoy our amazing landscape.”
Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock says farming has a lot of challenges, so farmers must look after the wellbeing of themselves and their team.
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Paul Walker runs a 300-cow, 90-hectare dairy farm in Pongakawa, Bay of Plenty, and is a big fan of the Five Ways. “I like the ‘take notice’ one. I make sure I enjoy the little moments in farming. Snapshots I call them; the things you get to see in farming that other people never see.” he says. “(Like when) you’re waiting for a cow
DAIRY FARMER
March 2021
