The weather has been spectacular in the South Cariboo lately. And if you’re anything like me, when the sun starts shining, all I want to do is get outside and soak it up — my version of self-care. There’s something magical about being out in nature: nestled among the trees, cruising down a dirt road, or floating on a lake in a fishing boat. My mind quiets. The noise of life fades. There’s no work, no stress, no bills: just me, the fresh air, and the peacefulness of the outdoors. From the moment I step out of my house, everything slows down, and I’m incredibly grateful for those moments.
Lately, though, things have been full tilt at CMHA South Cariboo and at home on the farm. Event season is in full swing, and my little hobby farm has sprung to life, needing more attention than ever. I found myself feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, work demands, and the self-imposed pressure to do everything perfectly. This past week, I hit a wall. I had to take a mental health day—to hit pause, breathe, and remind myself that I can’t run at full speed forever. None of us can.
This time of year can feel especially demanding, whether you’re working at home or at the office. The yard needs attention, the garden needs planting, the house needs a deep clean, fences need fixing—and that’s before the BBQs, family gatherings, and summer events begin. In the South Cariboo, we get such a short summer that the moment the snow melts, it feels like go-time. Add in the desire to enjoy every sunny moment, and suddenly your to-do list is as long as your driveway. And around here, some of us have really long driveways.
All of this can take a toll. The stress, the hustle, the constant motion—it can lead to anxiety, sleepless nights, changes in appetite, and full-blown burnout if you’re not careful. Honestly, even writing this article, I can feel my shoulders tense up just thinking about everything I still have to do. So, I thought I’d share a few of my go-to tips that help me manage stress and find balance during these busy months.
First up: prioritize that list. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take all my tasks and rank them, starting with the “must get done today” to the “will the world end if this doesn’t happen?” It helps put things into perspective and shows me what’s actually urgent versus what feels urgent. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about crossing things off—it’s a little win that calms the mind almost instantly.
If you’re able to fit in self-care right now, please make it a priority. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival. And I get it: when you’re slammed, it feels impossible. But burnout doesn’t come with flashing warning lights. It sneaks in slowly, quietly, while you're busy doing “all the things”. And once it hits, it takes much longer to recover than if you’d just taken the break in the first place.
So schedule it. Write it in your planner. Take a mental health day. Ask a friend or family member to keep you accountable. Do what you need to do to hit pause and regroup. It’s so much easier to prevent burnout than to recover from it.
Self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a hot cup of tea and a good book. For others, it’s a bubble bath, a long hike, fishing, rockhounding, or just five minutes of quiet in the garden. It doesn’t matter what it looks like—what matters is that you make time to enjoy it.
Another tip? Ask for help. If support is available to you, use it. Tackling everything alone can feel daunting, but doing it alongside someone else makes the work lighter, and you get the bonus of good company along the way. Asking for help isn’t always easy, but you might be surprised by how willing others are to lend a hand when you reach out.
Life is busy. It’s an adventure wrapped in a bubble called time—and there never seems to be enough of it. It’s filled with joy, laughter, stress, sadness, and everything in between. Some days feel like you’re crushing it; others feel like you’re just trying to stay afloat. No matter how your day is going, pause. Breathe. Take just a little slice of time for yourself.
You’ll recharge, reset, and be more equipped to handle whatever comes next. Your mental well-being matters. It’s just as important—if not more—than that to-do list, and it deserves to be at the very top.
If you’re struggling, please don’t be afraid to reach out. Say the words. Tell someone, “I’m not okay”. You are not alone, and help is out there.
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.
If you need support, you can contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273.
