Contolling Stress
By Jessica Forbes, AgrAbility in GA Staff
Farming and ranching are stressful
occupations. Technological
changes, money management
and the changing face of livestock
and crop production all add stress,
especially during times like seeding
and harvest. Farmers are
accustomed to being especially
independent, proud, and self-reliant,
both as individuals and as family
units. These are positive and
desirable traits as they take on a
life that entails hard work, dedication,
a stewardship of the land, and
living with great uncertainties such
as weather, market prices, interest
rates, and national policy. However,
it can be these very traits that make it
diffi cult for farm families to reach out
when they come up against a
substantial amount of stress.
Stress is defined as a response to
a demand that is placed upon you.
Without some stress, people would
not get a lot done. Although a certain
amount of stress can be positive,
if you cannot return to a calm state,
then the stress becomes nconstructive.
The changes that stress causes
in your body (increased heart rate,
higher blood pressure and muscle
tension) start to take their toll, often
leading to mental and physical exhaustion
and illness. Too much stress
can cause problems and affect your
health, productivity and relationships.
Chronic stress can impact your
immune system, which lowers your
ability to ward off illnesses. The following
components are part of a wellness
lifestyle approach that can help
you control stress.
Attitude - The way you think about
things can make all the difference in how
you react
to events.
Changing
the way
you think
can help
you
manage
stress in
your life. Each time something happens
in your life, the information about
that event enters your mind. You interpret
it by forming beliefs about what
the event means, why it happened
or how it is going to affect you. While
you can’t always control the events
that happen, you can control the way
you think and feel about them.
Healthy Eating - Good nutrition and
healthy eating habits can help you
through your stressful times now, not
just prevent a heart attack 30 years
down the road. Eating well will increase
your physical, mental, and
emotional stamina. Fueling yourself
with nutrient-dense foods can boost
your immune system, help you maintain
a healthy weight and help you
feel better about yourself.
Healthy Relationships - Relationships
can be a source of stress and at the
same time, be a coping mechanism
for dealing with stress. Either way,
you need people in your life that care
about you and will let you lean on
them in times of adversity. Being assertive
by claiming and expressing your
experiences, your feelings, your wants
and your rights, can reduce stress.
People who are assertive feel comfortable
asking for help, saying “no”
to others, stating a unique opinion, making requests, and expressing both
positive and negative feelings.
Sleep - Consistent sleep is vital for a
healthy life. Although everyone needs
varying amounts of sleep, if you do
not get enough sleep, everything from
your immune system to your ability to
learn and remember information will
be negatively affected. Sleep is as important
as nutrition and exercise when
preparing for peak performance.
Spirituality - Spirituality means finding
personal meaning in your life, feeling
connected to others, and achieving
your full potential. Ways to explore
your spirituality…
•Attend activities at your church
•Volunteer to help others
•Learn a new skill or craft
•Travel
•Keep a journal
Adapted in part from
http://www.uhs.uga.edu/stress/
index.html and www.rbcroyalbank.
com
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