At the end of last month, Small Farm Canada hosted two, two hour workshops on mental health in agriculture called Talk.Ask.Listen. These workshops were presented by The Do More Agriculture Foundation and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) through the Community Fund Initiative.
Bonnie, Workshop Facilitator and Farmer gave us an understanding of the status of mental health in Canadian Agriculture. She also provided information like characteristics of mental illness, potential resources to access geared to agriculture, strategies to talk and to listen and ideas on how to develop and maintain mental wellness.
One strategy Bonnie presented during the workshop was the use of a Gratitude Journal. A gratitude journal is a place to write down times we feel grateful. This can be as simple as a sunny day, first strawberries of the season, or a kindness from a stranger. The key is to focus on positive things that bring you joy and comfort.
Acknowledging positives can help change your mindset, shifting focus from what is lacking or unjust to what you have in abundance. This simple practice can have a powerful impact on wellbeing.
Keeping a gratitude journal can enhance your overall wellbeing by nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health. By writing down what you're grateful for, you're training your brain to notice the good. The more you recognize the good, the more good you’re likely to find in your everyday life.
All you need to start is a pen and a notebook. Or, if you prefer, a computer or an app. The important part is what you write down, cented on gratitude. It can be once a day or once a week, but practice gratitude journaling regularly to experience the benefits.
For more events, workshops and moments of gratitude that you can use on your farm, market garden, homestead or property, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!