Remember to take care of yourself this year by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative, Oxford and Elgin Counties Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca A New Year is well underway, and I hope that it has been a smooth transition for all. For many, a new year is the time for new routines and fresh starts. According
improvement or personal development, we focus on doing more of what makes us happy and feel fulfilled? If the Babylonian’s resolutions were as simple as paying debts and returning borrowed property, could we not just vow to visit friends more often or take time to read a good book? We all know that in the farming community, our physical and mental health often takes a back seat to endless lists of chores and work. Do More Ag is a charity organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada. They outline five simple ways to de-stress on the farm: 1. Make time for self-care 2. Foster healthy relationships 3. Improve your sleep So, if your resolutions at the start of the year are already a distant memory, give yourself a break and try simply focusing on what makes you happy. We all know the old expression, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup,’ so find what fills your cup, and enjoy. 4. Reduce time spent on social media 5. Learn more about mental health.
to the Almanac, New Year’s resolutions are nothing new. In 2000 B.C., the Babylonians celebrated the New Year during a 12-day festival called Akitu (starting with the vernal equinox). This started the farming season – to plant crops, crown their king, and make promises to pay their debts. One common resolution was the return of borrowed farm equipment. By the 17th century, New Year’s resolutions were so common that folks found humour in the idea of making and breaking their pledges. A Boston newspaper from 1813 featured the first recorded use of the phrase ‘New Year resolution’. The article states: And yet, I believe there are multitudes of people, accustomed to receive injunctions of New Year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the New Year with new resolutions and new behavior, and with the full belief that they shall thus expiate and wipe away all their former faults. Some may set ambitious goals for personal growth or self- care, using this time as a reset in their day-to-day routines, such as eating healthy, saving money or exercising more. What if instead of placing pressure on ourselves for self-
Real Agricultural Elgin Living Winter 2024 cover Cold weather once again provides some lovely “Winter Ice Sculptures” in Port Stanley. Photo courtesy of Frank Pelsoczi
REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
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