Ben Collongues of Imagine Water Works

The 411th recipient is Ben Collongues of Imagine Water Works in New Orleans, LA. Ben writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “It means taking care of myself on and off the farm. It's checking in with my mind and body throughout the day and listening to what my needs are. For me, farming itself is a self-care need. Frequently connecting to the land strengthens my understanding of it as well as my relationship to it. Through nurturing the land, I learn to better nurture myself and others. Outside of farming itself, some things I reflect on are whether I'm performing tasks ergonomically and whether I've eaten nourishing meals to energize my mind and body.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would likely use it for purchasing groceries and health supplements and/or for attending donation based community workouts or yoga sessions. It might also look like purchasing clothing/accessories that promote physical health while on the farm.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care needs that would contribute most to my well-being as a farmer are adequate sleep, mindfulness, balanced meals, strength training, and clothing/accessories.”

#realfarmercare