12 Tools for Your Wellness Toolbox in Times of Farm Stress
Individuals in farming can experience stress from multiple sources. Stresses can be managed as individuals use practical wellness strategies to reduce stress and improve wellness.
Individuals in farming can experience stress from multiple sources. Stresses can be managed as individuals use practical wellness strategies to reduce stress and improve wellness.
Working in agriculture brings its own set of unique experiences and stresses. The Managing Rural Stress Model allows you to use a reflective approach and explore multiple steps in dealing with stress concerns. This publication is part of a series called Managing Stress and Pursuing Wellness in Times of Tight Margins.
Youth are less likely to use addictive substances if their parents talk early and often about the risks, establish clear rules and consequences, and regularly monitor their activities. Active involvement and support of caring adults are both critical in the prevention of youth substance abuse. Tips for how to start the conversation, integrate positive communication, and respond to children at every age are provided in this publication.
People need to feel valued. A workplace that values diversity and manages change with respectful conversations will have less negativity to address.
Prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse and overdose are growing concerns across the nation and in North Dakota communities. In North Dakota, there has been a 59.7% increase in the number of controlled substance prescriptions dispensed between 2008 and 2015. Staying up-to-date on prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse trends is critical for today's caring adults.
It is important to create a healthy environment for an unborn child during the time of pregnancy. Key topics in creating a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby include managing personal health concerns, practicing healthy behaviors, meeting nutrition needs, increasing your knowledge of child development and reducing stress and preparing for the child's birth.
Positive youth development is intentional. It is the combination of positive experiences, positive relationships, and positive environments. When youth programs combine these three components, youth are more likely to stay involved and experience the essential elements that serve as the foundation of positive youth development programming. The eight essential elements can be categorized into one of four key concepts: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.
Natural disasters such as floods are stressful events for families. Evacuating their home is obviously stressful for children. Plan ahead by packing a disaster supplies kit for each of your children to grab if your family has to evacuate due to flood conditions or other reasons.
One of the most important aspects of managing life as a family caregiver is accessing useful resources that can provide needed knowledge and skills. The list of helpful resources below provides information about educational materials and support organizations related to family caregiving. It is not exhaustive but instead provides a beginning point for those involved in family caregiving.
Support and resources in the caregiving process come in many forms: prayer, talking to family or friends, visits with professionals or assistive equipment. One of the most important aspects of managing life as a caregiver is accessing useful resources that can provide needed knowledge, skills or assistance.
Understanding myths versus realities in family caregiving can be helpful. This publication explores different realities you can face with family caregiving.
The time to plan for the care needs of yourself, a family member or another you care about is before the person might need it. At the least, planning often can occur before the care needs become more significant. Planning for care involves strategies such as assessing the situation, discussing the big concerns and forming a support or caregiving team.
Family members or friends may feel awkward or uncertain about having a conversation with you about providing care. They may worry about your feelings or be unsure of what you think. You can help them by starting the care conversation.
Caregiving provided to aging family members or others in need often is associated with stress and burnout. Although providing direct care to a family member or someone else can result in significant stress, remember that this experience can have positive benefits as well. Consider the rewards and challenges of the caregiving experience honestly.
Early childhood education programs and resources can provide important benefits to young children and their families between birth and five years of age. This report reviews findings from research in North Dakota on family engagement opportunities, issues and resources in the state.
Making regular family meals a priority is important. Not every meal has to be a sit-down dinner extravaganza. This publication gives you ideas on how you can take back your time.
Try something new this week. Start by planning five to seven meals that your family enjoys.
Whether your child is overweight or not, healthful eating and exercise are keys to personal well-being. As a parent, you can take an active role and guide your child in the right direction to grow and pursue good health for a lifetime.
A family tradition has been defined as an activity that is significant and meaningful for family members and is coordinated and repeated through time. Building family traditions that last and have personal meaning for family members helps build strong family relations.
Research has shown that when children eat with families, their overall nutrition and diets improve.
Playing games or doing activities at a family meal can create specific memories for family members.
Family mealtimes provide a built-in opportunity to visit with other family members and enjoy good conversation.
Family meals help parents teach children healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
Research shows that families with cooking skills are more likely to make healthier food choices.
You can provide your family with nutritious, tasty and simple meals, even when times are tough. The tips here may help you stretch your budget.
Cooking can be a recipe for building relationships and learning important life skills.
It is helpful to recognize the early symptoms of stress. These symptoms can include rising blood pressure, rapidly beating heart, clenched teeth, aching neck and shoulders, churning stomach, or excessive fatigue. You and your family can take steps to reduce stress and regain health and self-esteem by noting and managing stress symptoms.
Many benefits can exist when generations in a family farm or ranch together. However, conflicts or challenges may arise that develop into stressful situations. Sharing decisions, asking for what you want, listening well, and resolving conflicts quickly can help to reduce or eliminate stress among generations farming or ranching together.
Farm and ranch families experience a variety of additional life stresses, such as uncertain weather conditions or machinery breakdowns. By meeting together and planning ahead, family members can take steps to reduce or eliminate stress. Use this planning guide to create a stress management plan that works for you.
Working together under pressure, changing roles, and holding down more than one job can add up to one thing-high stress levels for farm/ranch couples. But by being sensitivities, communication, and relaxing together, a husband and wife can ease pressures and cope with stresses.