Kelly Caisse of KDCrop Farms

The 557th recipient is Kelly Caisse of KDCrop Farms in Chaplin, CT . Kelly writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being is so important to me! It provides rejuvenation and de-stresses the mind and body. Being a farmer and managing the business, I have to be extra careful to take care of my health and body, as there is so much riding on my shoulders. I am the only one that runs it, so if I cannot function well, the business will not take care of itself. I have only been able to do things at home like journaling, meditation, and quiet walks. A massage or Spa Day would be amazing since I never feel like I can splurge on such a treat! Money is always tight at this time of the year and stress is high!”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”I would love to do the deep tissue massage since I always have arthritis in my knees and sore shoulders. The Spa day would be great, especially if it includes a hot tub where I can just sit and soak or a sauna where I can just relax. An online therapy session would be great to clear the mind too.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care needs for a farmer are de-stressing the mind, relaxing the body, and having a healthy diet. Stress is so plentiful when you run your own business and you rely on nature to provide sunshine and rain at the most opportune times. We also constantly have to adapt and change to the environmental changes, so no two seasons are the same. There literally is no blueprint to farming. We are always trying and guessing! Relaxing those tired muscles is so important. The more the body strains, could lead to pulled muscles which could keep us from farming. Drinking plenty of water and eating all the meals is very important. All too frequently there is too much to do and not enough time.”

#realfarmercare