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Lisa Flachs
New York
Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health
Farming
is one of the 10 most stressful occupations in the United
States, according to a recent study. Believe it or not - not
all stress is bad. In fact, we need a certain amount of stress
in our lives to keep us going. The key to effectively dealing
with stress is BALANCE. The consequences of "too much stress"
for a farm family may vary - from tension in family relationships
- to poor operational decisions - to loss of life due to a
farm accident. It is important to recognize things many farmers
consider stressful, common symptoms of stress, and effective
ways to manage stress. "Stressor" refers to the things that
may cause stress; "stress" is the reaction you have to that
stressor.
People
experience stress in different ways. When faced with a stressful
situation one may experience physical symptoms, such as a
headache or stomach problems. Perhaps a person will become
depressed or lose their temper - emotional symptoms. Behavior
changes like overeating or increased use of alcohol can also
be a reaction to stress. Typically, stress affects our relationships
with others, such as difficulty getting along, because of
irritability or feelings of sadness.
Farming
has many ongoing situations that can cause stress. The most
common stressors for farm families include finances, daily
hassles, lack of control over the weather, work overload,
and conflict in relationship issues.
Even
under similar circumstances, farm family members vary in the
amount of stress they experience. Some people may have many
stressors, but experience low levels of stress because they
have developed effective ways to cope. For others, however,
pressures may exceed their coping resources and they may show
signs of chronic stress.
The
first step in managing stress more effectively is to recognize
symptoms and decide to do something. Below are five "stress
steps" - a simple starting place to keep your stress in check.
- S
top to take breaks; relax 20 minutes each day.
- T
alk about your stress with others.
- E
at 3 meals a day, while comfortable and seated.
- P
repare for stressful events; schedule time to unwind.
- S
trengthen your relationships with others; have FUN.
For
more information or help in designing your personal stress
management plan, contact:
- Farm
Partners Program
- New
York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health
- One
Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY
- Phone
1-800-343-7527
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Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Lisa
Flachs, NYCAMH.
This public service announcement was produced by the New York
Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), One
Atwell Road, Cooperstown, New York 13326 - Ph# (607) 547-6023
or (800) 343-7527 in the northeast. Publication date: 1994.
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