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Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R |
Beyond the Bottom LineKeep Connected During Stressful Times |
MADGE ALBERTS |
| There's hardly anything that
causes more stress for a dairy farmer than hearing that the BFP has
dropped $6 overnight! Even when it's anticipated, and even when the
actual reduction to the farmer probably won't be quite that much, the
prospect of losing $200 or more per day in revenue is a scary thought
that creates significant stress.
A certain amount of stress, or some kinds of stress, can help motivate you to keep your life and business on track. However, when stress crosses the line and becomes too much, or we don't deal with it right, it can damage our health, threaten our safety, and hurt even our most important relationships. In an informal study, Red River Valley farmers were asked their number one health concern related to farming. Every single respondent identified stress as the top health concern! Stress has become a serious issue for farm families. And it's more than just plunging milk prices causing it. Changes in agriculture, urban expansion, feedlot policies, uneasiness about the future, divorce -- all these and more produce stress. How do family members react to stress? Unfortunately, the typical reaction is often to turn away from each other, to work harder, to seek isolation -- just the opposite of what is needed to maintain healthy family relationships. In stressful times, we need to come together, support each other, and find creative ways to lessen the negative effects of stress. What are some ways of keeping connected with family members during times of stress? » TALK to each other about the issues causing stress. This seems so obvious, yet people often don't communicate when they're feeling stress. Sometimes talking can help you find the sources of stress and alternatives for solving it. But even when there's not much you can do about the issue, like the fall in milk prices, talking about the hows and whys and feelings associated with it helps everyone keep things in perspective. » LISTEN to each other. People need to feel heard when they talk. Sometimes, in trying to make someone feel better, the listener will offer advice or solutions, or analyze or judge what's being said. These things make the speaker feel his or her thoughts are not valid. Just listening and affirming another's feelings helps ease the burden of stress. » EXERCISE together. This is a hard one, for sure. How can busy dairy families possibly take the time to exercise? And why should they, when they're outside moving around all day long? There are a number of reasons. First, it creates some time to just be together. Second, exercise has been proven to reduce stress. And finally, the exercise obtained while farming is not often the aerobic variety, which helps keep hearts -- and minds -- healthy! Even a 15 minute walk a day -- together -- will go a long way in helping reduce stress and keeping physically healthy. » WORSHIP together. No matter what your faith background is, your spirits need to be cared for regularly, even more so during times of stress. Make sure that you attend to that spiritual need, both as individuals and as families. The bonds created when families participate in rituals together help maintain strong relationships. People often stop going to church when they're stressed. Yet a faith community, and particularly one where you have established relationships with other members, can be a tremendous source of strength and encouragement. » SEEK friends and colleagues as support systems. It's important to know you aren't alone in the situations causing stress. If the stress gets too overwhelming, seek professional help. Physical symptoms such as sleep problems, digestive problems, chemical abuse, verbal or physical abuse, or emotional symptoms such as extreme anger, sadness or depression, are all signs that you are overloaded. Consult clergy, your doctor, and/or mental health professionals. Uncontrolled stress can be a risk factor in relationships, safety, and health. Keeping connected with the important people in your life during times of stress can provide a safety net that not only keeps you from "stressing out," but can actually enrich your relationship. |
D A I R
Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R |