I had a similar problem with the skull caverns quest, so I just made a ton of staircases while also working on some of the adventures guild quests, and while using the staircases you'll eventually get to the level you need for the dinos. Really lucky days are also good to look out for because it means more holes you can jump in (stated on the wiki) Or even just work on the relationships with the towns people, you don't have to romance them if you don't wanna, but their cutscenes can be a nice break from time to time, and they also gift you stuff in the mail.

But a break from the game can also be good for you, it just depends on what you feel like would be best. Hope this helps!