The events have highlighted how important it is to connect with neighbours, especially during challenging times. If you’ve been to a DairyNZ wellness and wellbeing presentation or a GoodYarn workshop, you’ve probably heard of the five principles of wellness:
• Connect and give
• Keep learning
• Be active and eat well
• Rest and take notice
• Be safe and have a plan.
Resilient people tend to use these five principles to maintain their wellness and wellbeing and are much better equipped to cope well with adversity. Last month, I asked a group of 10 Northland farmers, most of whom were making a profit this year, what they thought needed to be done to keep a business sustainably profitable even at a lower milk price. One of the top suggestions was “look after ourselves so we can make good business and personal decisions”.
So, just how do we do this?
Connect and give
The isolation of rural living can negatively affect a person’s wellness and wellbeing. There are plenty of good ways to connect in Northland. You could:
• Attend workshops and discussion groups like the DairyNZ discussion groups
• Join community volunteer groups
• Take time to go and watch your kids or friends play sport if you don’t play yourself
• Drop in on a neighbour for a cup of tea or invite them over for a catch-up
• Reconnect with old friends.
Some good ways to give are:
• Listen – lend an ear to someone who just needs to talk
• Volunteer your time or your expertise in the community
• Coach or manage a team
• Host a discussion group
• Join Dairy Connect and share your farm knowledge with others.
Keep learning
• Stimulate your mind through reading, trying a new skill or finishing a project.
Be active and eat well
• Try not to always choose the motorbike – could you walk to get the cows?
• Good nutrition really helps our bodies regenerate – think lean protein and three veg.
Rest and take notice
• Do you pay attention to the simple things or just be ‘in the moment’? Ensure you have holidays and plenty of sleep.
Be safe and have a plan
• Have a culture of safety around your business, staff and family. Are your insurances up to date? Do you have backup plans and contingencies in place for volatile times?
For more visit farmstrong.co.nz.
• Chris Neill is DairyNZ regional leader for Northland
