22 tips to help farmers get through third lockdown

In difficult times like these, we know that rural isolation, anxiety and stress can weigh heavy on the minds of farmers and rural folk.

To help you battle through in good spirits, we’ve compiled a bunch of tips suggesting some of the ways to cope with – and even flourish in – this tough time.

See also: Advice on solving farmer lameness, joint and foot ailments

If even one slice of this advice helps you or somebody you know, then we’ll take that as a win.

1. Rise and shine, student

Try to stick to a routine. Even if you haven’t got morning jobs to do on the farm (some chance!), getting on with academic work first thing – before you head outside – can be a good approach.

Otherwise, before you know it, the whole day’s gone and you’ve not done a jot of your academic work. 

2. Talk it out

Take time to call a friend or relative – whether it’s a five-minute hello or an hour-long catch-up, it breaks up the day and is a chance to share any worries you or they may have.

Even if you feel that you don’t have “the right” to complain, because you don’t think your experience is as bad as others, your feelings are valid. Bottling things up won’t make you feel better.

3. TV comforts 

From Our Yorkshire Farm to Bridgerton, there are plenty of ways to travel in time and space on the likes of iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon and Disney+. Maybe even set up a Watch Party with mates.

4. Never compare

Ever heard the expression “Comparison is the thief of joy”? Most of us have days when it feels like we’ve achieved little.

Just take it one day at a time. Manage your own expectations. And don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.

5. Avoid social envy

Don’t judge your happiness based on others’ social media feeds.

People tend to only show their “best lives”, not the reality of their true day-to-day existences.

6. Take joy from small things

A vase of flowers in the kitchen, a beer in front of the fire.

Try to live more in the moment – it’ll ease you out of over-thinking the “what ifs” of life.

7. Get creative 

Go for a walk round the farm with your camera or your phone and take lots of photos.

Let your artistic side flourish. The countryside is a stunning place, so take a moment to appreciate it.

8. Say no

Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Reach out to friends and family to help, but know it’s also okay to turn down a video call if you’re all Zoomed out.

These are extraordinary times: no one will judge you.

9. List it

Make a list of things to do every day – even simple things such as the laundry and the ironing.

It helps set targets and gives a sense of productivity, allows you to prioritise long- and short-term goals and keeps your head busy.

Doing this before you go to bed can help unload your mind so that you get a better night’s sleep.

10. Exercise

It’s good for your physical and mental health, for de-stressing and is a welcome distraction from everything else that’s going on.

Who needs a gym, too, when you’ve got the great outdoors to get out in.

Set yourself challenges to add an extra dimension. Check out out the Farm Fit workout series for inspiration.

11. Listen up

Whatever your interest or mood, you can find a podcast to suit you.

There are some great informative and educational agricultural podcasts – including Farmers Weekly’s.

See also: Coronavirus: Universities make student accommodation refunds

12. Digital detox

Getting away from screens is important. It can make you relax and even help you sleep.

How about setting yourself a rule – no phones in the bedroom?

13. Read more

Now is the perfect time to catch up on those coursework books you’ve never quite got around to reading. Or what about one of the many memoirs farmers have written?

You can even opt for one of the classics and impress your family and friends.

14. Bon appetit

Broaden your repertoire by trying new recipes. Explore healthy cooking, wow your family and win Brownie points with your other half. Only British ingredients though, please.

15. Radio roulette

From local stations for news and views near you to Radio 1 for great DJs and music, there’s another world there at the flick of a dial. Why not give a new frequency a try?

16. Get ‘away’ from work

Maintaining a good work-life balance is imperative, but right now, with the absence of any real social activity, it’s all too easy to just keep working.

Even if you can’t physically get away from the place you work, try to do different things at home and on the farm.

17. Gain a new skill

There are thousands of courses available online on myriad topics.

From one-to-ones to group learning and from very short sessions to longer learning programmes, now might just be the perfect time.

18. Project master

Get your teeth into that evening or weekend project you’ve been itching get started on for years.

19. Space out

Students who have little choice but to study at home might find it tricky, so try to set up a separate workspace that isn’t in your bedroom.

Working on your bed certainly isn’t great for your back. Reserve your room as somewhere to relax and sleep in.

20. Apps

The likes of FaceTime, TikTok and Snapchat will never replace face-to-face interaction, but they’re a worthy supplement.

There are online games you can play as a group too – and quizzes are great fun.

21. ‘Visit’ the pub

Have virtual pub evenings with your pals. Share a shopping list ahead and spend time cooking and eating “together”.

Not as much fun as the real deal, granted, but at least you can share in the same food and drink experience.

22. YFC

Never has the YFC spirit of support, friendship and camaraderie been so important. If you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join.

Some clubs have responded to lockdown by doing some great virtual fundraising events.