Fresh Picked: Self-Care: Trial by Error on the Farm

Self-Care: Trial by Error on the Farm

TIPS FOR CREATING A SELF-CARE ROUTINE

By Kerri Bell

Female farmers are a unique bunch. While there may be diversity in our farm families, one thing we all have in common is the need for self-care. For me, spring and summer can feel like an all-out race. Planting, field meals, gardening, lawn mowing, teaching and on and on. It’s easy to let self-care take a back seat as you race the weather to get crops in the ground, attend countless meetings or prepare report cards to wrap up another school year.

As women, we juggle many responsibilities. We won’t be able to plant all the seeds if we don’t take care of ourselves first. The truth is that self-care isn’t just the latest craze. It’s a legitimate way to care for our physical, emotional and mental health. It helps us manage stress and anxiety. Self-care isn’t just getting a pedicure (although I highly recommend them!). It’s about taking care of yourself first.

Knowing yourself and your boundaries is a must. It’s important to prioritize your needs. Self-care looks different for me, my husband and our twin daughters, which is perfectly okay. I’ve learned to say no more often and truly focus on what matters most.

We’ve discovered our self-care through trial and error over the years, and it can vary by the season. Self-care for our family can be as simple as taking a walk, doing a DIY project, exercising, cooking, baking, gardening, photography, mowing the lawn, volunteering or other hobbies of interest. I love each of these, but depending on the time of year, I focus on some more than others.

The most important tool in your toolbox is your body. You only have one, so it needs to be treated with the utmost respect and care. When our bodies are neglected, chronic pain and injuries are much more likely to crop up, bringing your season to a halt. We have drastically changed our eating habits for the better as we’ve aged. Physical self-care is what I struggle with the most. I’m a planner and an organizer; that’s how stuff gets done! Unfortunately, I find that my to-do list never ceases, and I don’t often take the time needed to go to the gym regularly. It is something I need to change for my benefit.

Restful sleep is also very important to your well-being. When you are well rested, you are better able to think critically when running a farm operation or other career. Making your bedroom a place of peace and comfort allows you to unwind, relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Another important part is taking in life’s small joys, whether it’s a family supper, being with friends, fishing, going to a movie, hanging out at the pond or maybe going for a drive together. I can’t stress enough the importance of changing the place, routine and set of responsibilities occasionally as the work will always be there.

It’s okay for you to be a priority. The farm, your family and your career are all priorities, but so are you. Self-care is important because you cannot pour from an empty cup. To be able to care for others, you must first take care of yourself. What’s something you can do for yourself today?