Amanda Porter of Heart Beets Farm

The 521st recipient is Amanda Porter of Heart Beets Farm in Berkeley, MA. Amanda writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care means a day off to take care of your body the same way you might spend your days taking care of produce or animals. Whether it be a much needed haircut after a long season, a trip to a massage/ physical therapist or maybe a new pair of boots, jeans or even a classic flannel.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I personally would use the money to get a new pair of boots since the soles of mine are currently falling off. With anything left over I would use towards my $10 copays at the physical therapist!” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important thing to me is a consistent schedule. Sometimes you need to force yourself to take some time off so your aren’t overworked but it is super important to have it already scheduled in or else you might get caught staying late or working an extra day because there is always more to do. As passionate as you might be the farm will be there tomorrow and managed even better if you go home, nourish yourself with a great meal, hot shower and your favorite relaxing activity like reading or yoga. Sometimes it’s as simple as getting a good nights sleep.”

#realfarmercare