Yup, burn-out, exhaustion, depression, rat-race and constant stress - they are widespread diseases in the modern world.

If I'm away for one night, I can leave enough food and water for the animals to survive. If I make a longer trip, I need help - either a house-sitter, or somebody visiting once a day to check everything.

Actually, I think these are connected - if I try to do too much stuff all alone, I soon begin to feel exhausted. But as I have friends and neighbours around, I feel that I can ask for help when needed, and it makes life easier =)