Sarah George of Spotted Frog Farm

The 565th recipient is Sarah George of Spotted Frog Farm in Olympia, WA. Sarah writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being in the context of farming and ranching mean finding a balance between the demands of the farm and taking care of my physical, mental, and emotional health. Farming is physically demanding, and it's easy to get caught up in the constant work, but it's crucial to recognize that my well-being directly impacts the success and sustainability of the operation. It means setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and making time for activities that recharge me, whether that's spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a break to step away from the farm. It also involves maintaining a healthy work-life balance by seeking support when needed, whether it's delegating tasks, collaborating with other farmers, or accessing mental health resources. By taking care of myself, I can better care for my farm, my animals, and my community.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”I would use the $250 award to get two deep tissue massages. I have ongoing back pain from overusing my right side of my body. I am right-handed and scoop feed, carry feed buckets, etc, with my right side. I also have a special needs child, who requires me to frequently lift, transfer, and carry him, usually on my right side. Because of the physicality of farming and being a mom, my back muscles have started spasming. I have previously worked with a massage and physical therapist to address the issue, but have stopped going because of a lack of time and money. Insurance does not cover massage therapy, but it was very helpful as the therapist was able to relax and stretch the spasmed muscles.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care needs for me as a farmer are regular rest and time away from the farm. Farming can be all-consuming, and without setting aside time to rest, I can easily burn out. Because my farm is at my house, making sure I have time to disconnect from farm work is essential for my well-being. Staying mentally healthy by practicing mindfulness or having a hobby outside of farming helps me maintain a healthy perspective, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.”

#realfarmercare