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Our minds are meaning-making machines — but sometimes, they trap us in loops of self-criticism, worst-case scenarios, and unhelpful comparisons. In this episode, Steph unpacks the most common thinking traps we all fall into, especially when stress levels are high and life on the land feels overwhelming.

You’ll learn:

• Why thinking traps are normal (and not a sign that something's wrong with you)
• The most common traps: all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, mind reading, "shoulds" and "musts", labelling, overgeneralizing, emotional reasoning, and minimising your own strengths
• Simple tools to step out of these loops and regain perspective
• How to use the STOPP strategy to interrupt spirals and take meaningful next steps

Whether you're stuck in your own head or supporting someone else who is, this episode offers practical ways to pause, notice, and choose what happens next.

🧠 You don’t have to believe every thought you have. But you can learn to notice it — and choose your next move.

Referenced strategies:

• STOPP: Stop – Take a breath – Observe – Pull back – Proceed with what matters
• The 5x5 perspective rule
• “I’m having the thought that…” defusion tool

This episode is part of the From Stress to Strength series, proudly supported by Ski for Life, a grassroots organisation promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural communities across Australia.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
🌾 Connect with Steph on Instagram & Facebook: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
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