At the start of a new school year or new season, there is often this rush of excitement, and readiness for a change or fresh perspective. It lasts for awhile, but then it can feel as if, quite swiftly at times, the perspective shifts and you are right back in the midst of stress, overwhelm and exhaustion. You start to wonder if there is a way you can manage your stress better.
Paperwork has piled up, you aren’t enjoying your time with students/clients, and you are starting to feel drained, or even anxious, from your work. You feel exactly like you did before the year/season started, and you know that it is only going to pile up. Again. And it seems to get a little worse each time.
So you push through until the next break, and start the cycle all over again, hoping that one day it will get just a little better. On that day, you’ll have more time, more freedom, more energy, more drive, more…enjoyment for life and work.
You just have to wait a little longer for it to happen…one day.
But then things continue in the cycle of stress and release and more stress, all while growing more irritable at work and at home, until one day you decide to switch jobs or quit altogether.
Does this story sound familiar?
This was my everyday routine (and sometimes I get drawn back into it for a moment before snapping out of it again), and one that most SLPs I know are stuck in as well.
We are always fighting stress and trying to find ways to work more efficiently, enjoy it better and not drown in paperwork, stress and exhaustion.
We, as SLPs, are struggling. And stress is the reason why.
Over the years, I have worked hard to combat my own stress. It wasn’t until I learned a little more about where it came from and how to MANAGE it better, that I finally started to find some relief – or at least be able to be more aware of how it might affect me.
It’s not perfect, and neither am I, but it is a lot better than it used to be and I bounce back from those stressful times a little bit better. Or I at least know that it will pass and I can do more to prevent and manage it next time.
Most of this is through bringing my awareness to what I really need from my work, schedule and day, as well as reducing the cycle of stress in my mind and body, through mindfulness and positivity practices.
Sometimes it is fun and sometimes it is really hard.
This Fall, September 12th, I am running a 6-week virtual program designed to help you, as an SLP, understand and manage your stress better, so you can work with more efficiency, effectiveness and enjoyment. And just feel so much better in your overall life.
We’ll meet for 1 hour each week virtually (like teletherapy) to discuss that week’s topic. All sessions are recorded in case you can’t make it or you just want to know more. You’ll also receive weekly emails and lots of bonuses, as well as join a private FB community.
Join us for SLP Stress Management to enjoy your work again and break the constant cycle of stress. You can find the details and sign up here or email jessi@jessiandricks.com. Or fill out the form below.
Much Love,
PS The Newsletter is getting a new look! I’ll be reaching out each month with a stress-reducing theme, meditations, blog with helpful tips, and even some recipes and videos. You’ll also be the first to learn about Certificate Maintenance Hours Webinars that are specifically for reducing stress and burn out as an SLP. Make sure to subscribe and you’ll also get access to a 7-day Stress Less Challenge. Subscribe below.
