Burning Issues!

  by Dr Toby Ford, Ford Health

Published Newsletter Article:  Agforce, December 2006

The emotional stress from the lingering drought is impacting not only farmers, but also their families, communities and even support services themselves.  Business and personal resilience appears to be decreasing for many people which may be a reflection of the combined effects of natural disasters such as droughts, bush fires and low commodity prices.

In my last newsletter article I mentioned Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  One way to understand human behaviour was developed by renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908-1970).  He concluded that human needs are organised in a hierarchy or pyramid, and our basic needs must be filled before we can go after higher-level needs.

The levels in his hierarchy include:

1. Physiological/bodily needs (breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, body equilibrium)

2. Safety (safe body, employment, family, health)

3. Love/belonging

4. Eesteem needs (self-esteem, confidence, achievement)

5. Self-actualisation (morality, creativity, problem solving etc)

When our 5th level needs can't be met, this leads to despair, stress and depression.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

The first four layers of the pyramid are what Maslow called 'deficiency' needs.  You don't feel anything if they are met, but you feel anxious if they are not.  Needs that go to the 5th level are 'growth' needs.  When they are fulfilled, they don't go away, rather they motivate you further.  The current situation that is affecting farmers is impacting on their needs.  Using strategies that build up your resilience you can alter your life by changing your attitudes!

A lot of research has shown the strong relationship between fitness and mental performance - especially as we get older!  Physically active people process information faster and other benefits include being less likely to become obese, having higher energy levels and enjoying greater feelings of well-being.  Also, studies have shown that fit people (who take part in aerobic activity that gets your heart pumping and raises your pulse) tend to enjoy good mental health as well as less anxiety, tension and stress.  Most importantly, fit people live longer!

Research findings that physical fitness can prolong your life have tremendous significance for farmers.  It is something to consider for the success of your farming business.  An illness or death of a farmer could have far-reaching results.

Exercise plays a crucial role in reducing your stress levels.  The current farming business culture subjects farmers to great and increasing levels of stress arising from big changes in technology, the super-competitive nature of the marketplace and conflicts between your own personal and business values.

Difficulty falling asleep, restless nights, loss of appetite or eating too much, irritability and shorter attention span are common warning signs that you are not handling stress in your life.  More serious signs of stress include headaches, high blood pressure and emotional problems like depression.  If these carry on, it can lead to ulcers, alcoholism, asthma and/or heart attacks.

Now you understand where stress comes from and the signs, you may think of putting aside time for an exercise program.  Many people think that outside things cause stress, but this is only partly true.  It is actually a process that comes from your response to both inner and outer problems.

There are five key things you can do to get fitter and healthier.  Firstly, choose an exercise that interests and challenges you.  Secondly, set clear personal goals, and thirdly, picture yourself as an athlete.  Read and watch all you can about the sport or exercise you are interested in.  Fourthly, follow the 'toughness' formula.  To get fitter, you have to push yourself a bit harder, yet allow yourself recovery time.  This means proper eating, drinking, sleeping and resting.  Finally, learn to handle your success well!  If you have stayed the course, form a new set of goals.  Recognise that you can always improve.  Most people quit exercising because they are not mentally prepared for the challenges that arise once the novelty has worn off.  Which brings us back full circle to Maslow.  Aim to reach all 5 levels.