Man breathing fresh air near the mountains

Simple ways to relieve tension

Fit to Farm: Expectations of stress tee up the body’s tension response — which then sometimes sticks around longer than we need

Farmers and farm workers will often feel tension in their muscles, whether it’s from physical exertion, stress, or even changes in the weather — and treatment of tension can start simple at home.



hole in blue sock Larisa Stefanuyk/iStock/Getty Images

Seasons change, fluids retain

Fit to Farm: Unlike blood, your lymphatic fluids could use your help to overcome gravity

Most of us experience a bit of extra fluid retention occasionally, as “puffiness” in our lower bodies, when weather changes. Gravity naturally keeps lymph fluid down, but gentle movement can help keep it flowing properly.



treating shoulder pain

Understanding shoulder pain

Fit to Farm: If we don’t move in ways that keep the joint stable, our bodies will tense up to hold it in place

Posture, breathing patterns and body maintenance all affect your risk of shoulder pain, one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic.

Imagine breathing in via the feet or seat, up the body and down the body, out via the same anchor point.

In the present tense

Fit to Farm: Stretching isn’t necessarily the answer for tight muscles

Tension is a precursor to conditions such as anxiety, pain, sleep issues and many other health complaints — and is an important early symptom to acknowledge and for which to seek support.



Adapt to change with the power of grief

Adapt to change with the power of grief

Farm Family Coach: Major changes — even the ones we know are for the better — will come with a surge of negative emotions

When a person goes through a major change in life, they experience a downward trend of negative emotions — often expressed as anger or sadness — before they can fully accept that change.



Preparing against the worst can set farms up for safety success.

What would your farm look like without you?

For Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, get your family members and employees involved in safety planning

If you were to go missing, get laid up with an injury or pass away unexpectedly, how would your family or employees handle your absence?