Many SLPs went from working in schools or clinics or other in-person settings to providing services via teletherapy almost overnight. Some of the biggest hurtles were definitely trying to figure out how to hold sessions, schedule your students and clients, and what materials to use. But another thing you might not have realized would be a struggle is the potential lack of movement each day.
And with schools and clinics re-opening, but many going to partial status or keeping most sessions online, you might be faced with this lack of movement in your day for a little longer.
Working from home as an SLP can be amazing (by far my favorite setting), but it can also lead to a lot less movement. It can be really easy to end up stuck at your desk for the majority of your day. This lack of movement can cause tension and stiffness in your body, make it difficult to concentrate and focus after while, and can increase your overall stress. I have dealt with this first hand, even as a mind-body fitness and yoga teacher.
When I first started in teletherapy and working from home, this was the biggest surprise. I was so excited to build my schedule and add in more sessions, because I truly enjoyed the work and the connections with my students. After awhile though, it started to feel overwhelming and draining. I was so confused – why was I still feeling these symptoms and signs of stress and potential burnout, when I was actually loving the work? I realized that I was sitting for hours at a time, without even really shifting much in my seat, and my body and brain were not happy about it.
When you are already feeling stressed out by being an SLP and, right now, by all that is going on in the world, more stress from a lack of moving is not something you are looking for.
Getting up and moving, even for just s few stretches, can be a gamechanger.
Once I made it a point to get up and move during my day, I started to feel better.
- I was less drained, physically and mentally
- I had less tension in my body that would lead to headaches and backaches
- I could focus better without the added tension
- I felt more energized and excited to do the work
It wasn’t always something huge. Sometimes I would take my dogs out for 5 minutes, other times I would go for a walk. And some days, I would simply plop down on a yoga mat for a few quick stretches in between sessions.
If you are looking for something to do to get up and move, consider leaving a yoga mat off to the side, where you can hop on it and work out some tension. Use it in between sessions, if someone runs late or cancels, before/after your work day, or anytime you can.
For a short, guided yoga stretch practice that you can do right next to your desk, check out the downloadable audio “5 Stretches to Do Next to Your Desk” available in the SLP Toolbox. They are the perfect stretches for SLPs, who are short on time.
Not a member? You can subscribe below to this FREE stress management resource library full of meditations, mindful movement practices, and more, made for SLPs by an SLP.
If you are looking to learn more about SLP Stress Management, including a step-by-step system to help you manage stress, reduce burnout and find more balance in your life, check out the SLP Stress Management Online Course, enrolling now for a limited time!
Much Love,
