We all view busy differently but for most of us it can be an overwhelming time.
I thought I’d share three things I lock in to help manage the ups and downs of what is a hectic couple of months for me and my team mates.
When I’m under the pump and really don’t feel like doing another 30 minutes training in the middle of a northern winter in the pouring rain, especially when I know its summer back home and barbecue time, I remind myself why I’m here and that I’m doing what I love.
I can choose to be frustrated by those extra 30 minutes or I can look at them as the advantage we’ll get on game day.
So, personally, I say to myself “I need to be here so let’s make the most of it” and I power through and give it everything.
At some point we all have our own 30 minutes – that point when it feels like a bit too much.
Perhaps it’s lambing and calving and you’re out there in the freezing cold or perhaps you’re into the last days of harvesting and need to draw on what’s left in your tank, both physically and emotionally.
Whatever it is for you, if you’re feeling under the pump in that particular moment, consider taking a bit of time to change your frame of mind and think about the bigger picture as to why you’re doing what you’re doing and what you love about it most of the time.
Whatever you’re working on, chances are you can’t do it alone.
I’ve got 14 other guys on the field helping me for 80 minutes so don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re not.
Also, think about all the people you need in your team to help you through.
In rugby people see the contributions of the players and the coaches but there’s a stack of others out of the limelight helping.
For those of us who are dads that includes our partners back home.
They might be on the other side of the world but they’re part of the team looking after our families and it means a lot.
Whoever you have as your core team or support crew it’s important everyone knows what they need to do and, equally as important, ensure everyone feels valued for their contributions.
When the time is right make sure you celebrate the successes.
Once my busy season is over I have a break planned – barbecues, some travelling, time with family and time on our new farm in Hawke’s Bay.
Research done by Frarmstrong shows getting off-farm is the number one challenge farmers and growers identify as a barrier to their wellbeing.
It’s tough but not impossible.
If you’re coming out of your busy season or heading into it ask yourself what you can do to try to plan for a break once the pressure comes off.
Having a break to look forward to at the end of the season helps me to get through.
I find putting it in my diary well ahead works best so I plan other things around it.
Those are just some of the things I lock in.
You might have your own and if you do why not share them on Farmstrong’s Facebook page where this article will be posted.
Share your tips to help other farmers and growers get through the ups and downs of farming.
Sam Whitelock is Farmstrong’s Ambassador. Sam draws on his experiences of growing up on a farm and as a professional rugby player to share tips and advice on what he does to look after himself physically and emotionally to help improve performance.
