Join Steph Schmidt: Farmer, Psychologist, Farm wief and Mum based in South Australia.

In this episode, Steph navigates through the ups and downs of farm life while offering valuable advice on mental well-being. She shares a "Find Your Feet" grounding techniques and tackle an "Ask Steph" question regarding managing the stress of working with farmers during a drought while living on a farm.

Key Topics:

1. Introduction to Grounding Techniques (00:00:00 - 00:02:11):

- Importance of taking moments to ground yourself in everyday life via focused breathing, using your senses, or feeling your feet on the ground.

2. Life on the Farm (00:02:11 - 00:05:17):

- The complexities of dealing with much-needed but potentially damaging rainfall.

- The emotional rollercoaster of weather impacts on crops and property.

3. Finding Your Focus (00:05:17 - 00:06:06):

- Overcoming scattered thoughts post-school holidays and learning to prioritize tasks effectively.

4. A Grounding Exercise (00:06:06 - 00:09:36):

- Step-by-step guide to a three-minute grounding exercise focusing on feet and body awareness.

- Encouragement to incorporate this practice into daily life and observe its benefits.

6. Ask Steph: Managing Farm Life and Work Boundaries (00:11:13 - 00:24:16):

- Tackling a listener's question about handling the emotional and logistical challenges of farm life during drought conditions.

- Practical advice on managing household water restrictions, laundry logistics, and maintaining emotional boundaries between work and home.

- Importance of self-care and seeking professional supervision in mental health roles.

7. Maintaining Balance and Well-Being (00:24:16 - 00:26:38):

- Emphasizing the need for self-care to ensure the ability to support others effectively.

- Discussion on the ongoing challenges and stresses of farm life and how to manage them.

Share the Love:

- Share your thoughts and experiences with Steph at [Email: steph@stephschmidt.com.au].

- Connect with Steph on social media:

- Instagram: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

- LinkedIn: Steph Schmidt

Quote of the Episode:

> "We can't give from an empty cup. So we can't keep giving to our clients, keep giving to people around us if we are not actually taking that time in caring and taking care of ourselves as well."

Resources:

- Reach out for individual support if needed:

- Consult with your GP or a mental health practitioner

- Grounding exercises and how to incorporate them into daily life

**Listener Question Submission:**

- Have a question for the "Ask Steph" segment? Submit your queries to HERE for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

Thank you for tuning in to the Farm Life Psych Podcast with Steph Schmidt. Stay grounded and take care! 🎙️🌾

Following on from the mini-sode of Episode 11 - this week we explore the things that get us stuck.

Exploring Catalysts and Kryptonites in Farm Life Psych

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mum, explores the idea of "kryptonites" - those little things that get us stuck. She shares her own experiences of feeling stuck and out of control, particularly during busy school holidays. She discusses the concept of identifying 'kryptonites'—the elements that lead to feelings of being stuck—and encourages listeners to notice these feelings to better manage them. Steph also shares listener feedback about personal catalysts that aid in well-being, emphasizing awareness and connection to the environment. The episode focuses on reflecting on emotional responses and making intentional choices to cope with challenges. Steph invites listeners to engage in discussions about their own 'kryptonites' and experiment with self-awareness over the week.

Finding Your Catalyst: Enhancing Well-being Amidst the Farm Life JuggleIn this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mother, introduces the concept of 'mini sodes' in the spirit of Bluey. She explores strategies to help navigate the challenges of farm life and tough times, focusing on identifying personal catalysts for improving mental health and well-being. Steph emphasizes the importance of finding that one activity, such as exercise or good sleep, that can trigger positive changes in other aspects of life. She encourages listeners to experiment with different catalysts and share their experiences on social media, fostering a community of ideas and support.

00:00 Introduction to Farm Life Psych

00:42 Navigating Tough Times

02:16 The Concept of a Catalyst

03:25 Personal Catalysts for Well-being

04:50 Finding Your Own Catalyst

06:04 Conclusion and Call to Action