It is *that* time of year for the agritourism industry.  Unless you are part of a small minority of producers in specific geographies or growing only certain niche products, you are likely swamped with work and life right now.

Breathe In...Breathe Out

The mental health of those in the agriculture industry has been a growing topic of discussion for the past several years.  Farmers face stresses not many other industries face, and when you combine the customer interactions of owning an agritourism venue, the stresses just pile up.  First thing to do - take a deep breath.  Just stop for a split second and breathe deeply.  Smell the air, feel the space around you, and enjoy the second of gratitude for that moment. 

Just a Moment

In this time of working ridiculous hours and doing ALL the things, taking just a moment to give our bodies a break means we have clearer vision and mental capacity to keep doing it all.  Without these small breaks, we make mistakes, and when we have members of the public on our farm - mistakes can be costly, deadly, or both.  Give yourself the space to look around your farm, appreciate the amazing spaces you have created for families and friends to come together, and the memories being made right in front of your eyes. 

Be Kind to Yourself

What are the things that give you strength?  Is it eating a piece of fruit for breakfast instead of another donut?  Is it drinking more water because you are running all over the farm sweating up a storm?  Is it hugging your kids or your parents for a half second longer?  Whatever it might be - now is the time to make that a priority. 

Need more?

If you find yourself going down a dark road, please reach out for help.  The Rural Health Information Hub has a variety of resources and contacts. For NAFDMA members, we have several resources in our Education Center focused on Work/Life Balance and Stress Management.  And if nothing else, contact me at suzi@nafdma.com.  I promise you - you are not alone.