The 289th recipient is Hannah Alden of Moody Root Farm @moodyrootfarm in Dorchester, WI. Hannah writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care means taking time out of my regular routine to prioritize my physical, mental and emotional health. It may look like an ‘event’ — going to a yoga class or getting lunch with a friend — or it may be more simple, like moments of stretching after a long day or enjoying a favorite beverage on the porch. But the emphasis is taking the time to just be present and experience something I enjoy deeply.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use this award to pay for a hot stone massage, which is something I have tried to do intermittently (not on a regular schedule due to cost) to support my physical longevity as a farmer. I had a massage therapist tell me once that my body responds very well to heat as a healing method. I have since been trying to take that advice to heart, resting under a heated blanket at night or applying hot presses to sore muscles.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “Unfortunately, I think even some of the most "basic" self-care practices cost too much money for farmers to afford. Even if they can afford a massage monthly or a dinner out with family, if they are like me, they are constantly feeling like those things are frivolous and money could be spent elsewhere on needs like groceries or equipment bills.
For me, massage, yoga and continued farm education (like conferences or topic-specific courses) are my main tools of self-care that I neglect if funds are tight. Massage and yoga have obvious benefits for my well-being, but I also see education as an opportunity to network and learn, both of which make me feel better supported and like I am taking care of that side of myself.”
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