“Our own winter wellbeing routine should be planned just as much as the winter-feeding regime for our livestock.”
For Alan Gaul, a farmer from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, this isn't just a nice idea - it's the key to him thriving through winter.
Born and bred at Little Whiterashes Farm where the Gaul family has farmed for over 300 years, Alan understands first-hand the pressures that come with seasonal change. Now 55, he farms full-time in partnership with his parents, alongside running his machinery business, PJ Gaul, as well as serving as a director of the community-owned caravan park and remaining active on the Turriff Show committee.
Through his own experience and strong rural connections, he has seen how the shift from summer to winter can take its toll on wellbeing – especially for those working with livestock, where the workload can increase as daylight decreases.
“Winter can truly test farmers,” he reflects. “There is less daylight to work with, yet there are still plenty of jobs to do on the farm. We often try to squeeze that 12-hour summer day into seven hours of daylight and if you don’t pause and plan, you burn out.”
Taking a Practical Approach
After years observing his friends, listening to others in the industry, and reflecting upon his own changes in motivation, Alan has now developed a practical approach to winter wellbeing.
“Something as simple as getting up as soon as I wake up and heading outside can reset my head before the day begins. Fresh air and movement help create a positive mindset - starting the day off right really helps me.”
Alan also uses winter to tackle those “rainy day jobs”, reviewing machinery or equipment that presented issues earlier in the year, so problems can be fixed well ahead of spring. He makes lists, sets realistic tasks for the day and regularly reflects on why certain things didn’t get done. He finds this technique reduces pressure and stress as spring approaches.
Planning work is one thing, but planning days off is equally important. More recently, Alan has taken up hillwalking with his partner – 14 Munros and counting. These planned days away provide physical exercise, valuable social time with friends, and often finish with supper at a pub or restaurant on the way home.
He laughs that some of the best therapy has been "15 minutes of talking nonsense to a stranger on the hill."
A Season to Embrace, Not Endure
It’s connections like these that are central to Alan's winter approach. He keeps his calendar dotted with meetings, from the caravan park committee to SAC advisory groups and Turriff Show planning. A steady flow of opportunities in the diary, allow him to connect with people and gets him off the farm.
"Committee meetings are often in the evenings, to fit in with everyone's working day. Whilst cosying up by the fire with a bit of telly is nice and relaxing, for me, too much can often lead to snacking and boredom. The meetings keep the community social, give us purpose, and are the perfect opportunity to bounce ideas off one another over a cup of tea."
He champions genuine connection by limiting social media and instead picking up the phone or popping past a friend's house.
"Farmers often take pride in being self-sufficient, but I'm a firm believer in sharing the load and asking for help when II need it. It's easy to go down the 'isolation spiral' through the winter, but humans thrive better when together. People do want to see you; chances are they could do with some social time too. Make the meetups happen. Don't put them off."
For Alan, winter wellbeing isn't about doing less, it's about doing things differently.
"We're not supposed to work in the winter the same way we do in summer. It's natural to slow down and fighting against the lack of daylight usually leads to fatigue. With the right habits, winter can be a season of resetting and fulfilment - an opportunity we should take before the busy spring work comes around."
This winter, Alan has already ticked many tasks and social occasions off his list. He aims to bag more Munros with family and friends, has a holiday to look forward to, will continue with his community meetings and festive gatherings, and is looking forward to a Christmas day feast.
"When I plan for myself as carefully as I do for the farm, winter becomes a season I can take the time to really enjoy."
TRIO & TESTED:
Three tips from Alan on how to continue thriving in the winter –
1. Start the day right "Something as simple as getting up as soon as you wake up and heading outside for fresh air can reset your head before the day begins. Fresh air and movement help create a positive mindset."
2. Slow down but don't shut down - Alan uses winter to tackle those "rainy day jobs" -reviewing what machinery or equipment gave issues earlier in the year, so problems can be fixed well ahead of spring.
3. Stay connected - really connected - Alan keeps his calendar dotted with meetings, from the groups and committees he’s a part of. He champions genuine connection by limiting social media and instead picking up the phone or popping past a friend's house.
