Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt

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In this episode of Farm Life with Steph Schmidt, she explores the concept of completing the stress cycle and provides practical tips and strategies to do so.

 Stress is a natural part of life, but chronic and prolonged stress can have negative effects on our bodies and minds. Steph discusses the seven steps to complete the stress cycle, including physical activity, breathing exercises, positive social interaction, laughter, affection, crying, and creative expression. She encourages listeners to find what works best for them and to be intentional in incorporating these activities into their daily routine. By completing the stress cycle, we can better manage stress and avoid burnout. 

Tune in to learn more about how to complete the stress cycle and improve your overall well-being. 

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who may find it helpful.

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

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Farm Life Psych Podcast: Episode 5 - Chronic Stress and your brain

Is your brain constantly predicting a storm on the horizon? Find out how to calm the whirlwind of chronic stress and reclaim a little peace of mind in this week’s episode!

Join me, Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, and mum of three, as I unravel why our brain and mind does what it does during times of stress, and a few ideas of what we can do to manage the never-ending demands of modern farm life. With deep insights and practical strategies, I bring a unique perspective on tackling real-world mental health challenges that every farmer faces.

Reference Points:

• Check out Lisa Feldman Barrett and her books, "How emotions are made" and "Seven and a half lessons about the brain"
• Ask Steph Question: "How do we survive the dry unseasonable conditions that is wide spread across SA at the moment?"
• Submit your own Ask Steph Question

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Subscribing to the Farm Life Psych Podcast isn’t just a click—it’s an investment in your mental well-being. You'll gain access to a treasure trove of episodes packed with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and expert interviews specifically tailored to the farming community. Don’t miss out on the wisdom that can make your days just a little bit easier.

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Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or family member who might also benefit from it, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review to help spread the word!

Got a burning question or a topic you’d like Steph to tackle? Slide into her DMs on Instagram, drop an email at [email protected] or connect on LinkedIn. Your question could be featured in the next Ask Steph segment!

Listen Now and Take Care of You.

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

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Finding Balance: Taking a Break on the Farm

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmid, a farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mum, delves into the challenges of managing farm life, especially when it's difficult to take a break. Steph shares her recent experience recovering from COVID-19 while maintaining farm duties and examines the common advice to 'take a break from the farm.' Through anecdotes and personal reflections, she explores how to find moments of relaxation and joy amidst farm work. Steph also addresses a listener's question about the adequacy of her life experience and discusses the importance of combining lived experience with professional qualifications. She underscores the need for mental health professionals to understand the realities of farm life and offers practical advice on how to manage stress without necessarily stepping away from responsibilities. Tune in for insights on balancing farm duties with personal well-being and how to create micro-moments of peace in daily life.

00:00 Introduction to Farm Life Psych

03:11 The Reality of Taking Breaks on the Farm

08:00 Finding Micro Moments of Joy

15:34 The Role of Service Providers

18:24 Ask Steph: Life Experience vs. Qualifications

30:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

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In this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mum, dives into the challenges and realities of navigating farm life, family, and personal well-being. Steph shares her own experiences of juggling farm work, motherhood, and the impact it has on mental health.

The episode begins with an ask Steph question from a listener who is struggling with her husband's constant focus on the farm and contracting business, leaving her feeling unheard and overwhelmed. Steph offers advice on fostering connection and communication during the challenging times, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, shared values, and finding ways to break out of survival mode.

Steph also reflects on the concept of cultivating compassion and connection in relationships. She shares a personal anecdote from a family trip and highlights the power of compassion in resolving conflicts and finding common ground. She encourages listeners to practice self-compassion and empathy for others, reminding them that everyone is doing their best and it's okay to ask for help.

The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritize self-care, seek support from healthcare professionals, and cultivate compassion in daily interactions. Steph encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences, identify areas where

Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us spread the word.

Subscribe to Weekly Little Rocks Reminders: www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks 

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Visit the Website: www.stephschmidt.com.au


Take care of you, stay connected, and let’s thrive together in farm life!

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

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Ever feel like you're running on empty while balancing the hustle of farm life, family, and everything in-between? You’re not alone, and it’s time to refill that bin!


Join Steph Schmidt, farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mum, as she dives into practical self-care strategies tailored for those navigating the unique challenges of farming life. This episode brings to life a masterclass from the 2023 focused on filling your bin and keeping your mental well-being in check during those busy times.


Steph combines her professional insights with real-life farm experiences, offering relatable and actionable advice. Each episode not only provides guidance on mental health but does so in a way that feels like a chat with a friend over a cuppa. Plus, you'll get to practice exercises designed to refresh your spirit and keep you grounded amidst the chaos.


️ Ready to listen and transform your approach to self-care on the farm?


Subscribe now to Farm Life Psych Podcast and never miss an episode.


Share your thoughts and join the conversation by sending a DM to Steph on Instagram.


Subscribe to Little Rocks Email Reminders - Weekly reminders to stay on track, even when it's tough.


Let’s fill those bins and navigate the juggle of farm life together!


Remember to rate, review, and share this podcast with fellow farmers who could use a mental health boost. Your support means the world and helps spread our message far and wide.


Stay tuned, take care, and until next week—keep filling your bin!

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

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Welcome to the very first episode of Farm Life Psych with your host, Steph Schmidt—farmer, psychologist, and dedicated farm life juggler.

In today's episode, Steph introduces herself, detailing her journey from a city girl in Adelaide to a farmer in South Australia. She shares her experiences navigating the intricate balance between farming, family, and mental health, drawing from her personal life and professional expertise as a psychologist. Steph discusses the unique challenges faced by farmers, the importance of mental well-being, and her vision for this podcast as a resource filled with practical tools and strategies. You'll also hear about the inspiration behind this podcast, including insights from the Change the Picture campaign, which highlights the rewards and struggles within the farming community. Tune in to explore how you can manage the juggle of farm, family, and life, and learn more about what to expect in future episodes.

Grab a cuppa, sit back, and let's dive into the world of Farm Life Psych.

Join the conversation - submit your Ask Steph Question here

Subscribe to Little Rocks Reminders - Weekly Reminders to help you stay on track as you navigate the challenges of farming life.

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

Send us Fan Mail

Embrace Life’s Challenges with the Farm Life Psych Podcast

If you're seeking a fresh take on the realities of farm life, where personal well-being intersects with rural resilience, step into "Farm Life Psych." 

 With Steph Schmidt, a unique blend of farmer, psychologist and fellow farm life juggler, this podcast ploughs through more than just fields. It digs deep into mental wellness, strengths in adversity, and the pursuit of balance amidst life's storms. Steph's genuine experiences and professional insights offer a accessible and relatable approach to handling life's complexities.

 Whether you're directly involved in farm life or juggling multiple roles behind the scenes, "Farm Life Psych" helps you navigate the ebb and flow of daily living with practical advice, relatable stories, and effective strategies. This podcast is your companion, ready to inspire and equip with the tools you need to navigate the juggle, challenges and joys of farming life. 

 Call to Action: Subscribe to "Farm Life Psych" and join a community that values real conversations and actionable insights. Take the first step toward a more grounded and fulfilling journey, even when life gets tough. Get ready to lean into the lessons, embrace the growth, and become part of the conversation. Your path to a more resilient and grounded life begins with a single click. Subscribe now.

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.