Farming For Improved Quality Of Life
Fall harvest is an exciting time! Gardens are filled with the last bounty of the year and gathering all the fruits of your labor from the summer is exhilarating!
Children going back to school is another way harvest can be celebrated. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a public or private school, online or even personal education (as an adult). It’s the idea of taking what’s been already learned (harvested) and planting new seeds; and growing more! Increasing what we learn every day, or year, and getting a good harvest, is important. That is how you move to the next grade, or level.
ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE
When considering the Fall harvest, especially from our personal gardens, with fresh fruit and vegetables, our bodies respond positively to the generous amounts of vitamins and minerals which have not be altered by pesticides or other chemicals.
COMMUNING WITH ANIMALS
Studies have shown that a person with a disability can increase their quality of life by means of ‘harvest’, emotionally and physically, by working in an agricultural setting, via farms, ranches and other venues dedicated to growing their own produce. This environment enriches lives in surprising ways, including access to nature and the opportunity to interact with animals, while learning how to sustain good health through farming.
A SENSE OF COMMUNTIY
Further, the sense of community garnered from such a lifestyle is enabling, as it offers the opportunity to learn about responsibility and creates interactions with others. Additionally it may lead to a source of income, depending on abundance in the harvest, what kind of produce is grown, the livestock, or even selling eggs from chickens or ducks, if that is part of the farm or ranch status.
STAYING BUSY
While it’s true farm work can be strenuous, it’s also very healthy! The physical labors involved in working on the farm require dedication, understanding of what you are doing, and the building of muscles—some of which are rarely used regularly, except in this environment. From chopping, lifting raking, or a hundred other things, it can be tiring, perhaps even exhausting by the end of the day. And you must do it every day, to be fruitful.
CREATIVE ACCOMODATIONS
Photo Credit: Disabled farmer
Of course there are accommodations which may need to be altered, depending on a specific disability, and that can be totally done, even if a bit of creativity is required! But the energy used to finish tasks can be such a rewarding accomplishment at the end of the day. It’s one of those times that is described as a ‘good kind of tired’! All of this then, contributes to improved sleep!
As you interact with nature, spend more time out doors, commune with the animals, harvest fruits and veggies naturally, your health is likely to become more in tune with what it’s supposed to be!
Add to this, it’s probable, when it comes time to snack, or eat a meal, you’re going to be more satisfied by enjoying some of the fruits of your labor instead of the surgery, processed and packaged ones! It doesn’t mean all problems may necessarily be 100% solved, but there will likely be changes, and it does lessen the stress in trying to maintain.
Photo Credit: Farm Life
FOR THE DISABLED, SENIOR CITIZEN AND THE ABLE BODIED
While farm life may not be for everyone, those who access it, like those with disabilities, senior citizens, and even the average non-disabled man or woman, may find it leads to medications being exchanged for a new lifestyle of fresh, organic foods. Additionally, you may rid yourself of anxious energy; gain exercise that would normally not be complete; and have interactions with God’s world that can ground you, as you watch your quality of life improving. It can create a feeling of productiveness, allow freedom from much of the drama of the world, and give a sense of peace not thought possible. Where will you begin?