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Are you feeling stuck in the heaviness of this season and wondering how you’re meant to keep going without pretending everything’s fine?

In this episode, I talk honestly about how hard things feel right now. No glossing over it. No “just stay positive.” Instead, I walk through how we can hold space for both the weight of what’s happening AND the strengths we already have in our farming lives. I share some of the research-backed protective factors that are already part of what we do every day. Things like purpose, autonomy, and movement, and how we can start to notice them again when stress narrows our view.

I also bring it back to practical, small moments. Not big mindset shifts, just noticing, catching and giving yourself a bit more space in the middle of it all.

This episode is about steadying yourself when things feel uncertain, and remembering that even in tough seasons, there is still something to hold onto.

What’s one small thing you can notice or catch today? I’d love to hear from you. Come and connect with me over on Instagram @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

What we cover in this episode

• Why “just think positive” misses the point
• Acknowledging how heavy things feel right now
• How stress narrows our focus and thinking
• The risk of getting stuck in rumination cycles
• Introducing the idea of noticing “what else is here”
• Exploring protective factors in farming life
• The role of purpose and meaning in wellbeing
• Real-life examples of meaning in farming
• Practical ways to “catch” moments of purpose
• Autonomy and sense of control as a psychological need
• Reframing “I have to” into “I choose to”
• Small, everyday choices that rebuild agency
• Movement to manage stress
• Using physical activity to process stress responses
  
  

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.