7 Signs You’re on the Edge of Homestead Burnout (And How to Stop It)
Homesteading is supposed to be filled with purpose, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection with the natural world and your values. And for the most part, it is! But sometimes, it can also feel like too much. Whether you’re on a small city lot like me or managing acres with animals, the reality is that homesteading comes with an endless to-do list. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in that list, questioning whether it’s all worth it, or just feeling done with the whole thing, you’re not alone. I am going to go through the 7 Signs You’re on the Edge of Homestead Burnout (And How to Stop It).
The good news? This isn’t the end of your homesteading journey—it’s just time for a reset. Instead of feeling like a failure and giving up everything, we need to shift our approach, realign with what truly matters, and let go of the guilt. If you’re experiencing any of these seven signs, you might be on the edge of needing a homestead reset—but don’t worry, I’ve got practical solutions to help you fall back in love with the life you’re building.
1. You’re Feeling Resentful Instead of Rewarded
Homesteading should be fulfilling, but sometimes the joy fades and the work starts to feel like an obligation. Cooking from scratch, tending the garden, preserving food—it all starts to feel like a chore rather than a meaningful part of your lifestyle. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, Is this even worth it? or Why am I the only one doing all of this?, that’s a sign it’s time to reset.
How to Stop It: Give yourself permission to scale back. Homesteading isn’t about doing everything from scratch. It’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle that works for you. If something isn’t serving you right now, it’s okay to put it on pause. Buy the bread. Skip the kombucha. You can come back to those things later—or not. Either way, it’s okay!
2. You’re Chronically Tired (But Still Can’t Relax)
There’s a good kind of tired—the kind where you’ve spent the day in the garden, your body is sore but satisfied, and you can fall asleep with a sense of accomplishment. And then there’s the other kind of tired—the one where your mind never stops racing, your body feels drained, and yet, you still can’t seem to rest. That’s the exhaustion that leads to burnout.
How to Stop It: Build intentional rest periods into your routine. It’s easy to feel like you should be doing something at all times, but rest is just as essential as productivity. Try setting off-hours where homesteading tasks are completely off-limits. And here’s a trick that helps me: Schedule your tasks ahead of time so that when you’re resting, you don’t feel guilty—you know everything has a time and place, and that mental load is off your shoulders.
3. The Mental Load is Weighing You Down
If your brain is constantly cycling through garden plans, food storage inventory, meal prep, animal care, projects, and a million other things, it’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed. The thinking part of homesteading is often just as exhausting as the physical work, and if you’re the one managing it all, that weight can start to feel unbearable.
How to Stop It: Simplify and delegate. Not everything has to live in your head! Write things down, create simple systems, and—this is a big one—ask for help. Even my kids (who are 3 and 5) have small homestead chores they can help with. It’s not about perfection; it’s about taking the weight off your shoulders. And if you don’t have anyone to delegate to? Automate what you can and set up easy systems so your brain isn’t juggling everything all the time.
4. You’re Comparing Yourself to the Homesteaders of Instagram
Scrolling through social media, you see perfect gardens, thriving sourdough starters, homemade everything, and people who seem to be doing all the things effortlessly. Meanwhile, you’re staring at your overgrown weeds, a batch of failed fermentations, and a pile of dishes. That comparison trap can make you feel like you’re falling short.
How to Stop It: Remember that Instagram is a highlight reel. No one is showing their mess, their failures, or their stress behind the scenes. Some people even assume I’m doing more than I actually am just because I share what I do online. But here’s the truth: No one does it all, all the time. Prioritize your progress, not someone else’s perfection. Plus, they might have just been doing it longer! Keep on practicing.
5. You’re Cutting Corners or Skipping Things You Used to Love
Maybe you used to love making homemade yogurt, but now you’re grabbing it from the store. Maybe you loved baking sourdough, but it’s been months since you touched your starter (probably pitch that, girl. The orange stuff is mold). When you start avoiding or resenting the things you used to enjoy, it’s a warning sign that something’s got to give.
How to Stop It: Instead of quitting everything, intentionally choose what to let go of. This past winter, I gave up sourdough for a season—not because I was failing, but because I had other priorities. And that’s okay! Pick something that you don’t actually love and let that go for now, so you can bring back the things that truly bring you joy.
6. Your Body Is Giving You Warning Signs
Headaches, body aches, stress-induced illnesses—when your body starts throwing up red flags, it’s time to listen. Burnout isn’t just mental; it’s physical. And if you don’t prioritize your health, you won’t be able to sustain this lifestyle long-term.
How to Stop It: Prioritize self-care without guilt. Whether it’s taking a long bath, going on a solo walk, or just sitting with a cup of tea in silence, find what restores you. A well-rested, nourished homesteader is far more productive than one running on fumes.
7. You’re Thinking About Quitting Altogether
If you’ve had fleeting thoughts of selling the garden beds, giving up food preservation, and moving into a low-maintenance apartment, you’re not alone. Sometimes I wish I could just unknow what I know about food and health and go back to convenience. But deep down, I know that’s not really what I want—it’s just a sign that something needs to change.
How to Stop It: Take a mini break. Step away from the hardest chores for a few days and come back with fresh eyes. And more importantly—find a community that gets it. That’s exactly why I created The Homestead Collective—a place where we can talk about real-life homesteading, share struggles, and find solutions together.
Let’s Recap: How to Prevent the Burnout
It’s Not Homestead Burnout—It’s Time for a Reset
If any of these signs feel too familiar, it doesn’t mean homesteading isn’t for you. It just means you need a new approach—one that’s sustainable and aligned with your real life. That’s exactly what The Homestead Challenge and The Homestead Collective are all about: practical, low-pressure ways to homestead without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re ready for a structured, low-pressure plan to stay consistent in your homesteading goals without burnout, The Homestead Collective is just for you!
And if you just need a place to talk, come join us in The Homestead Challenge Facebook group—we’d love to have you! 💛
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
Homesteading Shouldn’t Feel Overwhelming.
Dreaming of a simpler, healthier home but feeling overwhelmed by all the things? The Homestead Collective is a space for everyday homesteaders who believe in progress, not perfection.
Inside, you’ll find:
If you’re trying to build a homestead that works for your life (without breaking the bank or stressing over perfection), you’re in the right place.
