This is the time of year when we can step back and appreciate all that our lives offer—often with loved ones and friends.
The time we spend, slowing our pace, and purposely noticing and being grateful for all that life has to offer has major and measurable benefits to reduce our stress levels and change our outlook. The expression of gratitude also can improve our physical health reducing pain levels and improving health-related symptoms.
A new program from the University of Wisconsin’s Division of Extension called WeCope is delivered to participants over the course of a few weeks and covers seven “practices” that research shows can dramatically improve our health and sense of well-being. Thanks to a partnership with the State of Wisconsin and funding from USDA, a farm-oriented version of WeCOPE is being developed and will be offered statewide in the first half of 2022.
If you’d like to learn more about the WeCOPE program and how to further develop your practice of gratitude (or other practices), contact John Shutske at shutske@wisc.edu. You’ll see more information on WeCOPE in 2022, and we’re excited to offer it to farming communities statewide!
John Shutske is an Extension Agricultural Health and Safety Specialist, UW—Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Amanda Coorough is the Human Development and Relationships Educator at the UW - Madison Division of Extension- Sauk County.
