Alyssa Brodsky of Ranchito Milkyway
- realfarmercare
- Feb 28
- 1 min read
The 297th recipient is Alyssa Brodsky of Ranchito Milkyway @ranchito.milkyway.farmstand in Bonita, CA Alyssa writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being to me refers to taking time to step outside of your normal farm tasks to check on your body and your mental health and then prioritize tending to your needs for that moment in time (be it a day, weekend, or even 5 minutes).”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “This one is a tough one... I'd use it to enhance one of my current self-care routines. I go to a gym class 3-4 days a week in the evening but I am always tracking in dirt because my farm shoes are also my exercise shoes. I may use it to purchase tennis shoes that would be only for exercising.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “Cleanliness: taking time to clean up and have clean clothes, a clean kitchen, and a clean car. Social: taking time to go meet friends and hang out/go on hikes together. Food: Taking time to go grocery shopping for what we don't grow, meal prep, and prioritize health. Nature: taking time to go out in nature, because as much as farming is outside, it is not nature. Exercise: Everyone says 'Oh but don't you do so much physical work already?' but exercising on top of farming is SO important to physical and mental health.”