The 334th recipient is Jess McClelland of Daybreak Homestead @daybreakhomestead in Deep Gap, NC. Jess writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care means taking care of my body. It’s the most important tool on my farm, and the key to my businesses sustainability and success. It’s often challenging to separate farming as an occupation from the lifestyle, and I’ve begun leaning into the idea that even when I’m doing other activities to improve my personal sustainability, such as working out to maintain my strength and mobility, resting my body, or eating healthy foods, that this is part of my “job”. It makes it easier for me to ensure that I’m doing what I need to do to maintain my ability to continue the work, just as one would perform regular maintenance on a tractor, or update one’s bookkeeping. In terms of mental well-being, taking the time to step away from the farm, spend time with friends, and pursue other passions (like making art, playing music, etc.) is critical, and another factor in maintaining sustainability. Preventing burnout is a big focus of mine at the moment, having just been through a major natural disaster and facing an immense amount of work to get back up to full scale operations.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use this award to get a sports massage to help with my chronic neck pain.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “Having consistent access to physical therapy and massage would be exceptional.”
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