Use a positive mindset and gratitude to handle daily farm stress

There are many stressors when owning and operating a farm business, and for many of you, a multi-generational farm business. Adopting a positive mindset with a focus on gratitude can help farm business owners better handle these stressors.

Having a positive mindset does not mean you are the leader of the pep squad!  It is how you choose to view your world.  It is your outlook, and most importantly, it is your choice. Constantly focusing on your problems can lead to stress, fatigue, anger, and resentment, but changing your mindset to focus on the positive in your life can help improve your life. 

Take a minute to complete a simple exercise that will show you how a positive focus and gratitude can change what you experience. For this example, think about walking into the shop or barn. Before walking in, focus on something you are grateful for in your life. This will help you focus on what is in front of you with a positive mindset.

It is important to be clear about what you want. The pictures that live most actively in your mind tend to be based on your personal and professional life. If you have personal and farm goals, write them down and display them where you will see them every day. Knowing your what and why will help you recognize how each task or chore is helping you reach those goals. When something negative happens or there is a problem, it will give you the clarity to decide how to make changes to prevent it in the future and be grateful for what went right that day.

To help you focus on the positive and use gratitude, you need to position your mind to work for you instead of against you. To help position your mind:

• Practice gratitude with a purpose daily.
• Be very clear about what you want and why you want it. Remind yourself of these often.
• Look for the good in your life. It is there!

This article was written by Karen Endres, Farmer Wellness Program Coordinator, WI Farm Center, DATCP