The Power of Taking a Break- • Nature’s Therapy: A Pilanesberg Escape for the Soul

Living Your Best: Mental Health Care Series
The Power of Taking a Break- • Nature’s Therapy: A Pilanesberg Escape for the Soul

In this part of our Living Your Best mental health series, I originally planned to explore community, connection, and the vital role they play in building resilience. And we’ll still get there — but not today. This weekend, life handed me the perfect reminder of another essential pillar of mental well-being: the restorative power of taking a break. So, this time, I’m pressing pause on the planned topic and sharing a real-life example of the magic that happens when we step away from our routine and breathe.

We had been looking forward to a weekend escape to Pilanesberg National Park for months. When Friday finally arrived, the African sun greeted us with its warm smile — and, oh, how the bushveld knows exactly how to soothe a tired mind. The drive from Johannesburg was uneventful, but the moment we arrived, the world somehow felt wider, calmer, lighter.

Our chalet wasn’t ready yet, which turned out to be a gift. It meant an uninterrupted moment to sit outside, overlooking the endless bush, sipping a chilled glass of wine. There’s something about that air — a quiet hum of insects, a soft stirring of leaves — that melts away the tension you didn’t even realise you were carrying.

When we finally settled in, the chalet opened onto uninterrupted views of rolling hills and natural bush, separated only by an electric fence. Sitting on the patio, listening to birds and watching the shadows shift across the landscape, was revitalising in a way no spa treatment could ever match. And of course, the evening brought the quintessential African braai — rump steak, boerewors, crisp salad, and family. Simple, perfect, restorative.

Saturday rewarded our early rise with a spectacular sunrise promising a warm day ahead. And what a day it became! We were treated to one of the most extraordinary sights: a large pride of lions lounging across the plains, their cubs tumbling over one another under the watchful gaze of their mothers. Their presence was majestic — powerful yet peaceful.

The dams were alive with movement: waterbirds dancing among reeds, the subtle rise of hippo nostrils breaking the water’s surface, and the quiet rustle of antelope moving gracefully through the trees. Pilanesberg has a way of teaching you patience — look carefully, listen intently, and the bush reveals its secrets.

Then came the commotion. Several safari vehicles suddenly changed direction, clearly onto something special. Curiosity got the better of us, and we followed. What we found was unforgettable: a magnificent leopard resting in a tree just off the road. By the time crowds had gathered, it rose, stretched, and descended with effortless elegance before disappearing into thick vegetation. A privilege to witness.

As if that wasn’t enough, we spotted five rhinos, remarkably close to the road. Pilanesberg’s unique volcanic landscape offers them a natural sanctuary, and conservation efforts — including dehorning — have given the species a fighting chance.

A giant crocodile sunning himself along a narrow stream added to the thrill, and although elephant sightings were rare that day, a distant pair reminded us of their steady presence in the park. A herd of wildebeest gracefully crossed the road right in front of us, adding to the sense of the wild unfolding all around.

In just a few hours, the bush had given us more than we could have hoped for.

And that is the true magic of taking a break.

When we step away from constant noise, notifications, responsibilities, and mental clutter, something shifts. The simple act of being in a peaceful space — surrounded by nature, family, or even just silence — restores parts of us we forget to tend to. It is in stillness that our minds reset, our bodies relax, and our spirits realign.

Conclusion
One of the most important aspects of caring for your mental health is recognising when it’s time to pause. A break doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive; it only needs to be intentional. For us, the African bush provided the perfect backdrop to breathe, reconnect, and recharge. No technology. No pressure. Just space, quiet, and wonder.

Taking a break is not a luxury — it is part of living your best. And after this weekend, I can say with certainty: it ticks all the boxes.