Running on empty? How to spot burnout in busy seasons
Harvest season is one of the busiest and most critical times for farmers. It’s not just about taking crops off the field—it’s about running a business, keeping food on the table, and carrying forward years of hard work. But with all that pressure, it’s easy to forget one important part of the operation: you.
When your livelihood depends on the land and the outcome of your work, the pressure is constant. During harvest, there’s no real line between work and home—you’re running equipment, tracking the weather, watching market prices, and solving problems as they come up. It’s a lot to carry, and it wears on you.
Signs you might be experiencing burnout
Burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion. Sometimes it shows up as frustration, silence, or pulling away from the people around you. In farming communities, where the focus is often on getting the job done, it can be hard to talk about what’s really going on.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
Feeling tired all the time, even after sleep
Getting angry or irritated more easily
Avoiding family or friends
Feeling anxious or down
Using substances more often to cope
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s a signal that something needs attention.
You’re not a machine—and that’s a good thing
Farming takes a lot of strength and dedication. Long hours, tough decisions, and non-stop work are part of the job, and you still show up for it all. That kind of grit deserves respect, but it also deserves care. Even the hardest-working people need time to recharge, because you’re not a machine. You’re human, and your well-being matters.
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean stepping away from your responsibilities on the farm. It means adding tools to your toolbox so you can stay steady throughout the season and finish strong. It could be as simple as stretching your body during a break or stepping away from your phone at the end of the day to give your mind a break. Focusing on the basics, like eating, resting, and staying connected, can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Daily habits that help you stay steady
During harvest season, routines often get pushed aside. But keeping just one or two daily habits can make a big difference.
Start your day with something steady: Sit down for breakfast or coffee, even if it’s quick. A few minutes of calm can set the tone for the day.
Keep one point of connection: Call or check in with a family member, even if it’s just to say hi. Staying connected helps remind you that you’re not alone.
Pick one meal to share: Choose a time to eat together as a family, even if it’s short. It’s a chance to talk about what’s going on. On the farm, at school, or at home.
These habits help you stay connected to yourself and to others.
You matter as much as your yield
The success of the harvest is a heavy responsibility and stress. But you can’t take care of the crops, machinery, livestock, or your family if you’re running on empty.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, try talking to someone. It doesn’t have to be a big conversation. Even leaning over the fence and checking in with a neighbour can help. You can also reach out to Counselling Alberta for support. Talking to a counsellor can help you build tools to manage stress and protect your well-being, so that you can get back to the things that matter most.
Information for this blog post was provided by registered social worker, Che Burnett.