As the headers start rolling and the to-do lists stretch longer than the days, it’s easy to feel stretched thin.
In this final episode of From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land — a series proudly supported by Ski for Life — Steph Schmidt wraps up the 10-part journey with her Top 10 Tips for navigating harvest, end-of-year pressure, and everything in between.

From noticing early warning signs of stress to holding onto the AND (the reminder that we can love the life we live and still find it hard), this episode pulls together the biggest lessons from across the series — the practical, real-life tools that help farmers, families, and communities move from stress to strength.

Steph also shares updates about the Farm Life Handbook, an online hub of videos, tools, and tip sheets to help you fill your silo and find your AND through every season.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why noticing stress early makes the biggest difference

• How to check your capacity (and give yourself permission to let go)

• The power of teamwork and repair during high-pressure times

• Sleep, communication, and micro-moments that refill your tank

• A gentle reminder that you’re human — and that’s enough

👉 Explore more tools and tip sheets at www.farmlifehandbook.com.au

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that they’re not alone this harvest.

Disclaimer:
From Stress to Strength shares general wellbeing strategies and is not a substitute for professional advice.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, or 000 in an emergency.

When life feels like it’s out of your control — when the rain won’t come, prices drop, or your energy’s running low — it’s easy to feel stuck. In this episode, Steph explores how to make meaningful choices even when the situation itself can’t be changed.

Drawing on her background as a psychologist and her lived experience on the farm, Steph introduces the Noticing Map, a practical tool to help you pause, reflect, and act in ways that align with your values. You’ll learn how to:

• Step back from the noise and identify what really matters to you right now.

• Notice the thoughts and emotions pulling you off track.

• Recognise your go-to coping strategies—helpful and unhelpful.

• Choose one small, workable action that moves you toward the person you want to be.

It’s not about pretending things are easy—it’s about finding your next step forward.

🎧 From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land is part of the Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt podcast, proudly supported by Ski for Life, promoting mental health and suicide prevention across rural Australia.

🛠 Key Takeaway: Even when we can’t change our circumstances, we can choose how we show up. Small, intentional choices—grounded in our values—help us move from stress toward strength.

Check out the Farm Life Handbook for videos and resources to help you navigate farming life: www.farmlifehandbook.com.au

Connect with Steph:

www.https://www.instagram.com/stephschmidt.farmlifepsych/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephschmidtfarmlifepsych/

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast shares general information, reflections, and strategies for wellbeing and mental health, but it is not a substitute for professional or clinical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support.

In Australia, you can contact:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please call 000 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.

Ever found yourself lying in bed at 3 a.m., replaying the to-do list, worrying about the weather, or planning tomorrow’s jobs? You’re not alone.

In this episode of From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land, Steph dives into one of the first things we sacrifice when life on the farm gets hectic — sleep. It’s not a luxury or something “soft and fluffy.” It’s fuel. The thing that keeps our bodies and minds running well enough to get through the day (and all those long nights).

Steph explores:

• Why sleep matters more than we often admit

• How stress messes with our ability to switch off

• Practical strategies to help your body and brain wind down, including progressive muscle relaxation, yoga nidra, and cognitive shuffling (yes, it’s a real thing — and surprisingly effective)

• Simple wind-down habits that actually work for farm life

Whether you’re feeding out, in the header, or wide awake at midnight, this episode offers small, doable ways to rest, recharge, and reclaim some decent shut-eye.

Listen to Episode 8 now:
🎙 From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land — part of Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt.
Proudly supported by Ski for Life, promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention across rural communities.

Find more tools for your Farm Life Handbook here:

- www.farmlifehandbook.com.au

Connect with Steph online:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephschmidt.farmlifepsych/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephschmidtfarmlifepsych/

Resources mentioned:

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (free guides on YouTube or Insight Timer)

• Yoga Nidra sleep meditations (Spotify/Insight Timer)

• “The Pocket Psychologist” on Instagram for cognitive shuffling tips

  
  

If you’re struggling with ongoing sleep or stress, reach out for support.
Lifeline 13 11 14 | Regional Access 1300 032 186 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636