FARMERS and those working in agriculture will gain a useful tool to take control of their lives and reduce the impact of negative situations with the launch of a podcast from ifarmwell.
The podcast is an addition to the ifarmwell online modules, which equip users with tools and strategies they can implement into their everyday lives to help focus on what matters.
ifarmwell founder Dr Kate Gunn, of the University of South Australia, said the podcast series was another way those working in agriculture could improve their wellbeing.
"The podcasts explain similar strategies as the web-based modules and cover topics including the power that thoughts have over the way you feel, how to distance yourself from unhelpful thoughts or worries and how to make good decisions," she said.
"Listeners will also hear about how to identify and prioritise their values, shift their attention to the present and ultimately get more out of life.
"With the COVID-19 pandemic alongside bushfires, drought and other challenging circumstances, there are many people in regional areas who might have been doing it tough.
"Hopefully, these podcasts help them gain a new perspective on the sorts of thoughts that unhelpfully consume their energy and encourage them to focus on doing practical things that make their lives better, regardless of the circumstances."
Voiced by former ABC radio presenter Drew Radford, the eight-part series takes the listener on a journey to better wellbeing and helps them put in place strategies to manage life's challenges and get the most out of every day.
The series also features the voices of farmers across Australia who have used ifarmwell and incorporated these strategies into their lives.
"The ifarmwell website has resonated well with farmers since its launch in 2018. The strategies are relevant and practical, but we know farmers and others working in agriculture are very busy people," Dr Gunn said.
"The podcast series takes many of the strategies which are built into the online modules and puts them in a new format which can be accessed on-the-go.
"The launch of the podcast series coincides with a revamped ifarmwell website featuring some changes so users can work through the modules faster, as well as testimonial videos from farmers across Australia who have completed the modules and seen the benefits as a result.
The website also features practical tips to improve wellbeing that can be accessed without signing up to complete the modules.
Dr Gunn said the website and podcast series was not just aimed at those experiencing poor wellbeing.
"ifarmwell is designed to be useful for both farmers who are currently feeling down or stressed and those who would simply like some new tools to improve their ability to cope with uncertainty associated with life on the land," she said.
The podcast can be accessed by searching ifarmwell in Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud, or via ifarmwell.com.au.
The project has been funded by the Country SA Primary Health Network.
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