25 farmers in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, who are taking part in the Fit Farmers initiative, have reported a range of benefits from improved physical and mental health to a greater sense of personal security.
“As shorter days take root, darkness can contribute to many of us feeling fatigued, down and unmotivated”, observed nurse Laura Tully, founder and facilitator of Fit Farmers.
The Fit Farmers tailored lifestyle intervention is stepping in to provide a vital boost.
It is designed specifically for the farming community, emphasising an holistic approach to wellbeing, combining health education, physical exercise, mental health support and community connection.
With a mix of expert-led physical training, health education classes and group activities, Fit Farmers gives participants structured, practical tools to stay active and resilient throughout the winter.
Laura has been spearheading the programme throughout Roscommon since 2019, funded by Roscommon County Council, Healthy Roscommon via Roscommon Sports Partnership.
“Fit Farmers is proving to be an essential winter resource, helping farmers stay physically active, mentally engaged and socially connected.
“Regular physical activity, a cornerstone of Fit Farmers, is a proven antidote to the winter blues, our exercises are releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, which help combat the lethargy and low spirits often associated with prolonged darkness,” Laura said.
In Elphin, Angus pedigree breeder, Padraig O’ Connor, aged 60, is enthusiastic about the initiative’s benefits:
“The darker evenings make it easier to take the time to do the course, but to be honest, sickness would make you have to take the time anyway so it’s better to take preventative action now rather than wait to be out of action.”
Citing multiple personal benefits of the programme, Padraig said he had noticed his mind being “sharper” and enhanced movement and mobility of his joints.
“I’m very active in my daily work but these exercises have targeted different muscles and joints which are feeling freer and looser now,” he added.
Former Elphin mart manager, Gerry Connellan, speaks highly of the programme: “I was an awful man for the sugar, having two big spoons in my tea and drinking five cups of tea a day. So I have given up the sugar since starting, based on Laura’s talk and that simple change is something I’ll keep up for my health benefit.”
An already very active farmer, Gerry has also benefitted from the targeted joint-friendly exercise programme delivered by Laura weekly.
“I was having a lot of shoulder pain and issues. The exercises have really helped me, I have the height of praise of Laura and her team and the way she delivers the advice in a plain, easy to understand format and pointing us in the right direction on a range of issues,” he said.
Elphin native Una Killoran, has been instrumental to the success of the current programme adopting the role of peer walk-leader and encouraging her fellow Fit Farmer classmates to meet to walk and talk twice weekly in addition to attending the formal Fit Farmer sessions.
This community aspect is particularly powerful in the winter, when social isolation can be more pronounced.
During the walk farmers have the benefit of chatting to each other, often finding out that others face similar challenges which has fostered a sense of camaraderie.
“One farmer who was fearful of walking around the town on his own mentioned the group walks help him feel more safe and secure and that every minute spent walking with someone else shortens the walk.
“Arranging a group walk pushes us and motivates us to meet. We all go home feeling better. We plan to continue,” said Una.
Laura’s advice to farmers navigating the darker colder months to prioritise small, consistent routines for physical activity and connect with others regularly, reminding them that even small steps can make a big difference in lifting mood and boosting resilience.
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