URBANDALE, Iowa — The weather this spring and summer has created stressful situations for Iowa farming families. The cold, rainy weather has delayed planting of crops, damaged replanted crops and set the stage for spring stress to carry over into summer. Margaret Van Ginkel, Iowa Concern hotline coordinator and family finance specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, recommends actions those feeling stressed can take to help prevent it from taking over their life.
“First of all, talk things over with your spouse, a neighbor, friend, anyone,” said Van Ginkel. “Talking helps alleviate some of the stress and perhaps you will find that you are not the only one that is frustrated.”
Van Ginkel suggests calling the Iowa Concern hotline at 1-800-447-1985. Stress counselors answer calls and listen, keeping conversations strictly confidential. Iowa Concern is a service made available through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach that has been helping Iowans since the farm crisis in 1985.
“Another sign of stress is not sleeping,” she said. “Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.” Getting the required amount of sleep is easier if you take these actions: