In this bite-sized Cultivate episode, join me, Steph Schmidt, a psychologist, farmer, and mum of 3. I explore the power of movement—not as punishment or pressure, but as permission to shift stress and reconnect with your body.

Whether you're shearing sheep, feeding out hay, or stuck in a tractor cab for 14 hours, this episode helps you rethink movement in a way that works for you.

From tiny micro-movements to driveway walks and squats in the sheep yards, I share how movement can send signals of safety to your nervous system, anchor you to the present, and improve your day—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

What you'll learn:

• Why movement matters (even when you're exhausted)

• Simple strategies to build movement into your day

• How to use movement as a mindfulness practice

• Ways to stay accountable (even if you hate gyms)

Links & Resources:

• Farm Life Fitness⁠

• Fat Farmers

• Kate Ivey Fitness

• Saltbush Stretch

• Active Farmers⁠

Make sure you subscribe or follow to stay up to date with future episodes.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from it.

Send me your thoughts and feedback - steph@stephschmidt.com.au

Welcome to the Cultivate mini-series — bite-sized episodes from Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt that plant small seeds of change to support your mental health and wellbeing through the ups and downs of life on the land.

In this first episode, we’re talking about sleep — or the lack of it. Whether you’re out in the paddock working long hours or at home juggling everything else, sleep often gets sacrificed during seeding and other high-pressure seasons.

In this practical chat, Steph shares simple, evidence-based strategies to help you:

• Wind down and switch off (even with a wired, racing mind)

• Set up your space and body for rest

• Work with — not against — your sleep patterns

• Navigate alcohol, caffeine, and screen use mindfully

If your brain’s stuck in overdrive or you’re just plain exhausted, this one’s for you.

Stay up to date - www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks

Send me your feedback - steph@stephschmidt.com.au

Share on socials and tag @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

In this solo episode of Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt, Steph returns after a break to share a powerful yet simple idea she’s leaning into right now—finding the AND.

Join farmer and psychologist (and mum of 3 amazing boys), Steph Schmidt, as she shares practical, paddock-tested strategies to navigate life on the land.

Life on the land is full of challenges—especially with the ongoing drought and uncertainty so many are facing across Australia. But amidst the stress, there can also be strength, connection, even tiny sparks of joy.

Steph unpacks what the AND means, why it matters, and how you can start practicing it today using three powerful steps:

• Acknowledge the hard

• Notice the joy

• Do what matters

Whether you're in the thick of seeding or navigating another hard season, this episode offers a compassionate check-in and some practical, doable tools to help you show up for what matters—without ignoring the struggle.

🔗 Connect with Steph on Instagram and Facebook - @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

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

or at stephschmidt.com.au

Help to share the message of Find The AND by sharing this episode with someone you care about, and share your AND moments on social media #FindTheAND

00:00 Introduction to Farm Life Psych

00:59 Welcome Back and Life Updates

02:08 The Importance of Finding 'AND'

04:11 Practical Strategies for Finding 'AND'

08:24 Acknowledging the Hard

10:07 Noticing the Joy

12:02 Doing What Matters

13:15 Conclusion and Call to Action