Tips for Unwinding During a Dry Season
We understand how difficult the dry season can be for farmers and those living on rural properties. This year, we’ve also experienced lower-than-usual rainfall on our property. As farmers ourselves, we are deeply familiar with the added stress that comes with managing land, livestock and water resources during this time. Plus, these additional stressors can take a toll on your wellbeing.
We’ve put together some of our top tips for taking care of you and your property during the dry season. Above all, we encourage you to stay hopeful, because we know these conditions are not forever!
1. Create a Routine with Breaks
Make sure you leave enough time to reset and recover in your routine. During tougher times, we can feel pressure to overcompensate by working on lots of other jobs - exhausting your workload will only further contribute to your stress! Establishing a daily routine can help you stay productive while ensuring time for rest. Schedule short breaks during the day to step away from work, stretch, or simply breathe. A 15-minute break can do wonders for your energy and focus.
2. Stay Healthy
Physical activity beyond farming tasks can help alleviate stress. Low intensity exercise such as a walk can help with your mental clarity. The National Centre for Farmer Health prioritises physical activity, a nutritious diet and adequate sleep as key factors that can help Farmers cope with stressors (National Centre for Farmer Health, 2023).
3. Lean on Your Community
Talking to neighbours or joining a local farming group can provide emotional support and practical advice. Sharing stories or challenges over a cup of tea can remind you that you’re not alone.
4. Plan Ahead and Focus on the Controllables
Uncertainty about rain and resources can be overwhelming. Focus on what you can control, such as maintaining water-saving practices, and plan as much as possible for the weeks ahead. Once you know what you can control, you can focus your energy on problem solving. Make space for creativity, innovative thinking, and try a different approach to water-saving if you’re feeling inspired.
5. Seek Professional Support if Needed
If the stress becomes too much, don’t hesitate to seek support from local mental health services or a rural counsellor. Taking care of your mental health is as important as caring for your property. There are many self-help websites for farmers to access, such as The Ripple Effect, Mindspot and iFarmwell.
6. Above all, Stay Hopeful!
We’ve experienced dry seasons before – these conditions won’t be forever! It’s important to stay optimistic. Start preparing for the season ahead and do what you can to get through this patch.
With the right balance of work, rest, and support, you can face the dry season with resilience and optimism. Rural Property Livestock is here to support our community, from our property to yours.
If you’re looking to sell your property, do it through the team that understands rural living. For all enquiries, please reach out to Wally on 0427 781 054.