10 Things That Will Recharge Your SLP Battery

Let’s face it, sometimes we all need to recharge. Summer is a great time to do this. Even if you are working, you can still take some time to partake in some good old fashioned relaxation at some point. If you’re a school-based SLP, some of us are lucky to have the opportunity to take the summers off.

This summer, I decided not to work ESY. Though it was a hard decision, I think it was the best one for me this year. I was thinking about all the ways that I’m recharging my battery and thought I’d share some with you too!

1. Sleep in: Apparently, this one is elusive to me. I keep waking up earlier than I’d like. But that’s ok, because simply not waking up to an alarm is nice.

2. Go to lunch/dinner with friends: Too often during the year, we just don’t have time for this. I have loved meeting up with friends to chat and eat this summer.

3. Read: I love to read. I read most often before bed, but I read at other times throughout the day and getting lost in a good book is so fun.

4. Shop: This one can get dangerous. I have managed to not go to Target this week. Gasp! I think all the back to school stuff is starting to creep in and while it sort of makes me want to run away, I can easily get sucked in…oohhh, that’s pretty, I DEFINITELY need that.

5. Take CEU courses: I’ve been taking a couple on www.speechpathology.com every now and then and it’s helped me think about new ways to approach therapy. It helps get me excited for a new school year.

6. Pinterest: Pin this and then pin that.

7. Try Periscope! Lots of SLPs are jumping on board this awesome new social media platform. It allows people to post live videos and interact with each other. The videos stay on for 24 hours and then disappear. I’m on there (TeachSpeech365) but haven’t gotten up the nerve to do a video.

8. Think about what you want to change for next year: I have been thinking a bit about how I want to plan for therapy, set up my room, etc. Having a plan going in makes all the difference sometimes.

9. Making new materials: I have been busy making some new interactive/reverse interactive books, informal assessments, no prep packets, etc. For me, every time I make a new activity, the benefit is immediate because I’m making things specifically for my caseload.

10. Get Vitamin D: Laying by the pool or just being outside is fabulous because who doesn’t love warm weather and sunshine?!

How are you recharging your SLP battery this summer?