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

September 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington

Friday, September 12, 2025

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online

York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program

Thursday, September 11, 2025

A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online

Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online

Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... 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