7 Game-Changing SLP Products for a Low-Stress Year

OK, so there really are no SLP products out there that can totally take away all your stress.  We’re human after all.  And I’ma be real with you for just one second.  if you’re a school-based SLP like me, we work for a broken system.  

There will always be a measure of stress, but how you tackle and handle that stress is up to you.  Today, I’m sharing with you 7 SLP products that were game-changers for me and actually helped lower my feelings of stress at work.  (this post contains Amazon affiliate links)

1. Planner

A good SLP planner can be incredibly helpful in reducing stress for school speech therapists. By providing a clear overview of tasks and responsibilities, planners help therapists to prioritize their workload and manage their time more effectively. (See below for the one I use!)

This can help to alleviate the stress of feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what needs to be done. They can also allow therapists to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, which can make them feel more achievable and less overwhelming. 

2. Essential Oil Diffuser

Several of my teacher friends and I use essential oil diffusers in our classrooms.  They really can help.  After all, people have used these as a natural, non-invasive way to promote relaxation for thousands of years.

Some of my favorite oils are lavender and eucalyptus to help with relaxation and citrus or peppermint to give me energy.  Not a specific-to-SLPs product, but still a good one. 😉  

3. Year-at-a-Glance Planning Sheet

Having a general idea of what you are going to be doing with your students cuts down a lot of planning time and stress around it.  Check out this blog post for how to plan a whole year of therapy in one sitting!

These yearly planning sheets have been such a lifesaver for me to keep track of my themes.  You can find these for free here.

4. Mini Units

Speaking of themes, I’ve turned several of my favorite themes into open-ended mini-units to make life easier for myself.  These are seriously my go-to SLP product.  They come with no-prep pages, sensory bin ideas, hands-on activities, and more.  Plus, they have a digital component for when I’m on the go.

Each week, I just grab the books I’m using, toys or games, and my mini-unit, and the bulk of my therapy is planned.  Check them out here (the dinosaur one is my favorite).  You can also check out all the themed activities I do for January in this post.

5. Fidget toys

Fidgets don’t only have to be for our students.  They actually reduce stress by providing a tactile and sensory outlet for nervous energy. They can also help to focus the mind and provide a sense of calm.  

My favorite fidgets to use while I work are squishy balls and this anxiety ring from amazon.  I can sit a twirl the beads on it when I’m feeling a little anxious. 

6. Daily Devotional

Do you read a daily devotional?  I try to pull out my Bible and/or devotion book and read a little each morning before work.  In fact, sometimes I just listen to it on the way to work.  It definitely helps me to start my day off on the right foot and put my life and circumstances in perspective.

I love this one by Paul Tripp or the daily readings with She Reads Truth.  If you’re interested in listening, the YouVersion Bible app has several reading plans and devotionals for different areas of struggle.

7. A Good To-do List

If I don’t have a to-do list going, I feel SUPER scattered and overwhelmed.  I will definitely forget something if I don’t write it down.  Plus, checking things off my list makes me feel happy. 🙂 

The to-do list sheets in my planner are my favorite, but I also love using Google Keep.  These digital sticky notes are much easier to keep track of than the ones scattered on my desk.  If you want some cutesy labels for them, you can grab some for free in my resource library!

I hope these SLP products and ideas help you to ease into your second semester with a little more peace and a little less stress!  Head over to my TPT store if you need a few more materials to make your school SLP life easier.