10 Self Care Tips for SLPs

Why self care is important?

Self care is the taking time out from work and doing things that make you feel good. Even when you have a job that you enjoy, you need to take breaks and not immerse yourself into work.

Self Care Ideas

If you are stumped about what to do for self care, check out my ideas in the video below. Self care can be small things like buying your favorite coffee drink on the way to work. But self care can be larger actions. Quitting a toxic job or moving to a new state may be self care as well.

Self Care Tips

What do you do to take care of yourself? In the video I share some of the things I do to help myself manage life. From the more special (taking breaks) to the daily (eliminating my phone’s notifications), here are 10 tips that will help you take care of yourself.

You know, SLPs are dedicated to helping others, but the demands of the job can be high, and burnout is a real risk. Self-care is any activity that helps you to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

More Self Care Tips for SLPs

• Set boundaries. It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This may mean not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of work hours. It may also mean saying no to additional work or commitments if you are feeling overwhelmed.
• Take breaks. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to get up and move around, stretch, or just relax for a few minutes. Taking breaks can help to reduce stress and improve your focus.
• Get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, you are better able to cope with stress and make healthy decisions. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods gives you the energy you need to get through the day. It can also help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Spend time with loved ones. Spending time with loved ones can help to reduce stress and provide social support. Make time for activities that you enjoy doing with friends, family, or pets.
• Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness can help to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
• Seek professional help if needed. If you are struggling to cope with stress or burnout, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you develop coping mechanisms.

Self-care is essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Keep in mind that by taking care of yourself, you will be better able to provide care for others. These tips actually apply to anyone in a helping profession like nursing, OT, PT, therapists, psychologists, social workers and teachers.

Even More Self Care Tips

• Delegate tasks. If possible, delegate tasks to other members of your team. This can free up your time so that you can focus on the most important aspects of your job.
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices can help you to feel more confident in your abilities.
• Find a mentor or support group. Having someone to talk to about the challenges of the job can be helpful. A mentor or support group can provide you with advice and support.
• Take vacations. Taking time away from work can help you to relax and recharge. Make sure to schedule vacations throughout the year.
• Do things you enjoy. Make time for activities that you find enjoyable and relaxing. This could include hobbies, spending time in nature, or listening to music.

By taking care of yourself, you will be better able to provide care for others.