Maryann Conigliaro of Brooklyn Grange

The 449th recipient is Maryann Conigliaro of Brooklyn Grange in Brooklyn, NY. Maryann writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Just as farming is seasonal, my well-being practice is seasonal. In the winter I work fewer hours so I have more time to dig into self-care. In fact, it is necessary for me to do so in order to be my best self during the high season. During the slower months, I make sure to schedule appointments: medical and dental visits, as well as haircuts. I also intensify my exercise routine, sleep in, take hot baths and set aside time for hobbies: all things I don’t always have time or bandwidth for during the season. Some of these things fall in the realm of healthcare and others make me look and feel good and I consider them “active rest.” Even so, 8 months of farming in the Northeast is a marathon, not a sprint. Some aspects of medical care cannot be delayed until winter and I would not be my best self at work if I did not get enough sleep or set aside some time for hobbies during the warmer months. For me, self-care is leaning into things that rejuvenate me and luxuriating in rest when I have more time with the understanding that I might only be able to do abbreviated versions of these things when I am farming. Growing food also brings me so much joy and I am grateful to be able to farm for a living. Finding the balance in farm season and off season activities will, I hope, allow me to keep doing this for years to come.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use this grant to get a massage. Massages are something that I consider both a luxury and also part of integrative medicine and holistic personal care. Despite staying active throughout the winter, spring on a no-till farm can be intense. Work includes spreading tons of compost, pruning and wood chipping overwintered debris, and transplanting spring greens. All of these activities can be hard on the body and reawaken lesser-used muscles. A massage early in the farm season helps me ease into the workload that a busy season will bring. Massages can decrease muscle stiffness, and inflammation; it helps the body recover faster after exertion and can strengthen immune responses. Mental health benefits include a decrease in anxiety and stress levels and more energy.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Farming can be both mentally and physically taxing so my well-being as a farmer must address both of these elements. My biggest consideration is preventative care so that I can continue to do this work in the future. Eating well, sleeping enough, wearing sunscreen and stretching regularly are nonnegotiables for my well-being. This might mean not staying out late, planning meals in advance or scheduling time to practice yoga. While it seems simple, prioritizing these things is critical and can be difficult when life gets busy. Working for a company that values the well-being of their employees is the biggest need for farmers more generally. Employers should pay a living wage so farmers are able to afford basic needs, offer sick leave and time off, and respect work-life boundaries. Without these, it is difficult for a farmer to establish healthy habits, leading to burnout and serious health issues later on.”

#realfarmercare