Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Investing in mental health on and off the farm

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Ag mental health advocate shares her thoughts on the best ways to manage farm work and personal activities

By Lauren Arva
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Is maintaining a work-life balance different than a life balance?

For Lesley Kelly, co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation and a grain farmer from Watrous, Sask., an important distinction exists.

When considering the concept of a work-life balance, Kelly prefers to think strictly of a life balance.

"My perspective is more along the lines of just having a life balance, and to not have the expectation of 'You need to have a work-life balance' because, in farming and agriculture, that can be very challenging," she says to Better Farming.

"Farming is encompassed in almost everything that we do."

Lesley Kelly
    Lesley Kelly

Kelly, who is widely known in the ag Twitter community as High Heels & Canola Fields, says creating a strong life balance is as simple as engaging in an activity that "brings you joy."

"In terms of mental health, whether an activity is off farm, on farm, in Jamaica or wherever, as long as you're doing something that makes you happy, it shouldn't necessarily matter where that activity is."

Self-care can take on many different forms, she explains.

"We think of self-care in terms of 'Oh, you've got to go have a massage, or you have to go do yoga,' … well, not necessarily.

"As long as that activity is something you enjoy and fills you up, and doesn't … drain you," it's worthwhile, she says.

Depending on unforeseen circumstances and timing, sometimes a person's personal life requires more balance. Other times, perhaps he or she needs to devote more attention to work, she says.

"For me, the perspective of a life balance (rather than a work-life balance) takes away the expectation that I need to be the best wife, the best mom, the best farmer and the best friend.

"We're not perfect, and it's not about perfection. It's not about a 50/50 or 100 per cent balance. Do what you can do. Know that there are times that are stressful and it's OK to take time for yourself." BF

    Brzozowska/E+ photo

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario crops respond to summer heat

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online

Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online

Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth

Monday, June 30, 2025

Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top