SUNNYBROOK WELDING BLOG

Every spring, you walk the fields, check your gear, and start prepping for harvest like it's a mission. You know how much is riding on those few intense weeks later in the year.

But here's something that doesn't get enough airtime: how you take care of yourself right now might matter more than any concave, cylinder, or impeller on your combine.

We're not talking about being soft. We're talking about staying sharp because if you're burned out or running on fumes when the season hits full throttle, you're leaving a lot on the table. Like everything else you do on the farm, it starts with preparation.

Your Body Is Your Most Valuable Equipment

Think of it this way: your mind, your back, your focus, these are tools just as important as any part under the hood. Skip the upkeep and you start seeing breakdowns.

And the numbers don't lie.

In Canada, a nationwide study showed that 45% of farmers report high stress, 57% show signs of anxiety, and 35% struggle with depression, numbers far above the general population (SpringerLink). In the U.S., over 30% of farmers say work-related stress has harmed their mental health (BMC Psychology).

Burnout is real. And it doesn't just show up with a crash, it creeps in through poor sleep, short temper, forgetfulness, or that sense of just "pushing through" one more day.

Check Yourself Before Harvest Wrecks You

Here's a burnout early-warning checklist:

You feel tired even after a full night's sleep

You're irritable with family or coworkers

It's harder to make decisions or focus

You're skipping meals or eating poorly

You have aches, tension, or frequent colds

You've lost interest in things that used to matter

If two or more of these ring true, your system might be running hot and not in a good way.

The Spring Reset: Real Strategies That Work

We're not talking about yoga retreats or scented candles. We're talking about practical resets that improve focus, energy, and resilience before harvest season kicks into gear.

 Case in Point: In Australia, Enable Ag developed a Time-Freedom Farming approach where farmers intentionally integrated simple daily resets. The results? More productivity, better relationships, and fewer breakdowns-on and off the field.
 Read more from Enable Ag

Some strategies you can start today:

Take 10-15 minutes outside your work loop each day: no screens, no engines.

Schedule real breaks during your day: even 5 minutes of stillness resets your cortisol levels.

Move your body deliberately: not just as part of work, but as health maintenance.

Hydrate and eat with intention: not just convenience.

Talk to someone you trust: a dealer, neighbor, spouse, or support line.

"The First Step Is Admitting You're Human"

Ontario farmer Tim May knows this better than most. A vocal advocate for mental health in agriculture, Tim reminds us that recognizing your limits is not a weakness-it's a business necessity.

"We don't talk enough about the pressure. If we don't acknowledge it, we're not doing ourselves or our farms any favors."
- Tim May via Farmtario

Whether it's reaching out for help or taking 15 minutes to walk a fence line in silence, resetting now can save more than time down the line.

Don't Buy the Myths

Let's bust a few lies right now:

Self-care is selfish: Actually, it's smart. You can't run a farm or raise a family on fumes.

Self-care is a luxury: A few minutes a day costs nothing. Burnout costs everything.

Self-care is for someone else: Farmers experience some of the highest rates of stress-related illness. This message is for you.

You Deserve to Show Up Strong: for Your Farm and Your Family

This spring, before the calendar fills and the phone won't stop ringing, make time to reset. Because when harvest hits, it's not just about machines running smoothly. It's about you being clear-headed, focused, and fully present.

Taking care of yourself isn't stepping back. It's gearing up.

If this resonates with you, share it with someone else who might need the reminder. And when you're ready, we're here to help make your harvest smoother too.

Sunnybrook Combine Parts builds the kind of reliability you expect from your gear. But we're also here to back up the people who run it.