Valerie Woodhouse of Honey Field Farm

The 348th recipient is Valerie Woodhouse of Honey Field Farm @honeyfieldfarm in Norwich, VT. Valerie writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “As a farmer, self-care is finding moments to slow down, check in with my body and respond to what it needs. During the height of the season, all bets are off on if I'm getting enough sleep, eating and drinking enough water, let alone finding moments to stretch or deep breath. Self-care is carving out the moments to stretch, even if it's when I’m lying in bed, after long, heavy days. Prioritizing my well-being means listening to the 3 minute mindfulness practice (even if I wish I could do 30 minutes but don't have the time). My daily self-care is hanging eucalyptus in the shower and breathing deep, reminding myself that I don’t have to think about the business or farming or come up with the next product or solution - that those moments are for replenishing, letting my mind and muscles relax. During quieter times at the end of the season self-care can mean resting, playing games with family, coloring, listening to music, letting my body fully relax, no longer focused on production. My self-care is also building a community of farmers, specifically women and queer farmers, who I can rely on. These friends understand me more than anyone else. They can truly empathize with and validate my stress and challenges. They provide so much support, ideas, resources, friendship and moments of levity to sit back and laugh at this wild ride we all jumped on.” 

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I’d purchase several soft foam rollers that would aid in stretching and restoring stiff muscles. I live with chronic auto-immune disorders that cause inflammation, joint pain, fatigue and hyper-mobility, as well as a myriad of other digestive and immune related symptoms. Several years ago I was gifted a firm foam roller by a farmer friend who suggested it may help with low impact stretching. I quickly found that this was a tool that could aid in gentle muscle relaxation, reduce inflammation, restore muscles, improve blood flow and mobility, and calm the over nervous system by stimulating the fascia, releasing toxins and relieving tension. Research and YouTube videos suggest that using a variety of foam rollers, especially with softer firmness, can expand how to use and benefit from foam rolling. I’d love to learn and share these techniques with other farmers and people living with chronic pain.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “My body is my greatest tool on the farm, one that I use hard, everyday. Caring for my physical body is essential, and greatly impacts my mental and overall well-being. My lowest points of farming involve overworking my body, getting very little sleep, losing my appetite due to heat, and working nonstop with no time for my body to restore. At these moments I'm not only physically exhausted, but my mental and emotional capacities run dry as well. I forget things and miss details, and lack the emotional energy to handle grouchy customers or mistakes. The farm suffers, as do I. Caring for my body is the precursor for all other forms of self-care. When I feel myself dragging, my priorities are getting 8 hours of sleep at night and drinking 8 glasses of water each day. It’s always my starting point to getting back on track for self-care.” 

#realfarmercare