Top tips to help farmers manage stress

For over 30 years, Stress Awareness Month has been held in April, recognising the detrimental effects stress can have on mental and physical wellbeing.

For farmers, spring can be particularly challenging, with the unpredictability of the lambing period and weather, amid soaring input costs and economic uncertainty.

Farmers Weekly asked rural charity the Farming Community Network (FCN) for some top tips to help farmers manage their stress levels.

See also: Young farmer honoured in UK-spanning tractor relay

Prepare for the unexpected

Unpredictable circumstances are inevitable, and can be stressful for all those affected if there is not a plan in place.

FCN spokesman Alex Phillimore says: “Think about contingency planning, because the unexpected will happen at some point,” he advises.

“Ask yourself, if you were unavailable for any reason, what would your family/colleagues need to know?

“This could be everything from writing down login details for accounts and keeping them in a safe place, to making important contact information available to others.”

Take a breath

An effective tip, and a known de-stressor, is to increase your oxygen levels.

“Take a few moments to recognise what is happening. Remind yourself you can cope and re-energise your system with some deep breaths,” recommends Alex.

“Don’t make any rash or big decisions at moments of high stress, as this can be dangerous, or make stressful situations worse.”

Share it

Starting conversations, sharing worries and having someone that can lend an ear can be vitally important to help put an issue into perspective.

“It’s true that ‘a problem shared, is a problem halved’,” he says. “You may find it easier talking to a friend or family member, or speaking anonymously to a charity such as FCN.

‘Me-time’

The never-ending job list on the farm means there will always be something else that needs doing.

“It can be difficult to switch off and we can feel guilty when we do,” he says.

“If you have a hobby – something you are passionate about – then indulge in it occasionally. None of us can work 100% of the time, and neither should we have to.”