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FARMSTRONG
Managing on-farm pressure Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock passes on his insights about how to manage when you’re feeling under the pump.
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ecognise the signs It’s important to recognise when you are under the pump, so you can do something about it. We all have only so much coping space and when we have multiple things coming at us, it shows in different ways for different people. Some people become irritable. Others go silent and withdraw. What are your tell-tale signs? The Farmstrong Under the Pump checklist is a good place to find out.
I recharge. That’s because I’ve learnt no one can just go ‘hammer-down the whole time’, you need to step away. I head home into a different world after rugby so I make sure I’m not just focusing on one thing. If you’re only thinking about rugby or farming all day, every day, of course it will start to get on top of you. So it’s important to do something else whether it’s with your family or a hobby or catching up with mates outside the industry. Do something different.
Prioritise workload There’s always a to-do list as long as your arm on a farm. That’s why it’s important to prioritise your work, especially during busy times. What are the top two or three tasks you need to work on today? Once you’re feeling back in charge of your schedule your stress levels will go down. Look after the basics When we’re really busy, the things that go out the window are often the things that keep us well and help us cope. So make sure you eat well, get enough quality sleep, keep active and do the hobbies or activities you enjoy. Anything that boosts your mood and energy levels will help you manage busier periods. Schedule recovery time I embrace pressure as part of my job, but when I get the opportunity, I also step away from it and make sure
“There’s always a todo list as long as your arm on a farm. That’s why it’s important to prioritise your work, especially during busy times.” If your current workload won’t allow that, build mini breaks into your day. Even a 15-minute break to ‘reset’ mentally and physically can make a big difference to how you feel. Keep perspective Many people only know me as a rugby player and rugby is a big part of my life, but the reality is I also have other things going on in my life so when a setback happens on the field, I don’t let that
define who I am as a person. Yes, losing a rugby game still hurts but I tell myself, I’m still a father, a husband and a son, with a great family. That’s the most important thing. Sometimes you’ve just got to accept your setbacks and move on. Remember, a setback also offers an opportunity to learn and do better next time. Have a natter I know through the work I do for Farmstrong how important it is to keep talking and check on those who might have dropped off the radar and stopped communicating during challenging times. Just listening can be a huge help to someone who is feeling under the pump. So if you see someone struggling, start that conversation, ask them how they’re doing and make time for a proper catch-up, whether it’s over a coffee or at the pub. Visit the Farmstrong website to brush up on your listening skills beforehand. Make your wellbeing a priority Treat yourself and your team as your farm’s biggest asset. Make wellbeing a business priority and invest in the simple habits that make people more resilient – connecting with mates, learning new things, keeping active, enjoying simple pleasures and helping friends and community. Visit the Farmstrong website to see what other farmers are doing and lock in whatever works for you. n
Under the pump? For tips and ideas, visit farmstrong.co.nz
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DAIRY FARMER
November 2021
26/10/21 12:59 PM
