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Quick Wins Checklist for School-Based Therapists – Free Printables

As a school-based therapist, it’s easy to feel the pressures of the job. With large caseloads, multiple schools, constant scheduling conflicts, and tight budgets, finding ways to create “quick wins” can feel like a much-needed boost in the day. This Quick Wins Checklist for school-based therapists, is a free, printable checklist of small yet impactful actions that help you stay organized, focused, and refreshed. If you’re looking for even more strategies to manage the daily demands of school-based therapy, check out The School-Based Therapist’s Self-Assessment Guide.

THERAPIST OVERWHELM – IT IS REAL

School-based therapists know firsthand the reality of overwhelm. From managing huge caseloads, documentation requirements, and balancing schedules across various schools to communicating with different teachers, each day brings unique demands. The challenges don’t end there—many therapists work additional jobs due to high student debt and salaries that sometimes don’t meet the demand. Every minute counts, and the struggle to stay productive and connected is real. That’s why having a quick wins checklist can be an essential tool to bring some relief and make each day a little more manageable.

HOW THE QUICK WINS CHECKLIST CAN HELP

The Quick Wins Checklist offers manageable tasks to tackle during your day. With this checklist, you can integrate small, positive actions that help you regain focus, organize your workspace, and connect with colleagues. You don’t need to complete each task daily; these are simply suggestions to boost your productivity and well-being. Think of each win as a small way to stay on track, no matter how hectic things get.

WHAT ARE THE “TASKS”?

These quick tasks aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. Pick a few that resonate with you each day, and don’t be discouraged if you can’t complete them all. Here are some suggested quick wins from the checklist:

  • Organize your workspace for 5 minutes – Spend a few minutes straightening up your desk or therapy space to create a clear, calming environment that makes it easier to focus on what matters.
  • Review and prioritize today’s tasks – Take a quick look at your to-do list and decide on the most important tasks for the day to ensure your time is spent effectively.
  • Set a timer for a 15-minute focused work session – For tasks that require concentration, set a timer for 15 minutes. This focused time can help you tackle bigger projects in small, manageable chunks.
  • Take 3 deep breaths to reset – Pausing to breathe deeply can help lower stress, clear your mind, and bring a sense of calm to even the busiest days.
  • Complete one task you’ve been delaying – Pick one task you’ve been putting off, no matter how small, and get it done. This will bring a sense of accomplishment and free up mental space.
  • Send a positive note or message to a colleague – Brighten a coworker’s day with a quick message of encouragement, which can strengthen your support network and foster positive relationships.
  • Check in with a teammate or support staff – A quick check-in with another team member helps maintain open communication and lets them know you’re there to support them as well.
  • Clear your email inbox to zero – Take a few minutes to clear out or organize your emails. An empty inbox can feel like a small victory and helps you stay on top of communication.
  • Take a quick stretch break – Stretching is a great way to release tension in your body, keep up your energy, and reset before diving into the next task.
  • Drink a glass of water – Staying hydrated boosts focus and energy, so take a moment to sip some water to keep yourself refreshed.
  • Do a quick 5-minute desk tidy-up – A small tidy-up at your desk can create a more productive space and make the workday feel a bit lighter.
  • Spend a few minutes outside or by a window – A brief moment outside or by a window can help you feel grounded, reduce stress, and refresh your mind.
  • Plan tomorrow’s priorities for 5 minutes – Ending your day by setting priorities for tomorrow helps you hit the ground running in the morning and reduces decision-making stress.
  • Reflect on one positive moment from the day – Take a moment to think about something positive that happened, no matter how small. It can be a helpful reminder of the good in each day.
  • Write down one accomplishment for the day – Acknowledge your achievements, big or small. Noticing what you accomplish each day builds confidence and reinforces positive habits.

TAKE TIME FOR SELF REFLECTION TOO WITH THE QUICK WINS CHECKLIST!

The self-reflection page in the Quick Wins Checklist offers a space for school-based therapists to pause, process, and take stock of each day. This page is designed to help therapists assess their workday, gain insights into their accomplishments, and identify areas for potential growth. Here’s a detailed look at how you can use it:

Reflection Prompts for Growth and Gratitude

The self-reflection page provides guiding prompts that encourage you to think about your day from a balanced perspective. These prompts allow you to:

  1. Reflect on a Positive Moment from the Day – Identifying a positive experience or interaction from your day can boost morale, promote gratitude, and help you recognize the meaningful aspects of your work. Whether it’s a breakthrough with a student or a supportive exchange with a colleague, acknowledging these moments builds resilience and reinforces a positive mindset.
  2. Write Down One Thing You Accomplished Today – This prompt encourages you to recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. By acknowledging at least one accomplishment each day, you reinforce a sense of progress and purpose in your role. This can be particularly helpful on challenging days, reminding you of the impact you’re making and the steps forward you’ve taken.
  3. Plan Tomorrow’s Priorities for 5 Minutes – This reflection prompt helps you prepare for the day ahead by setting clear intentions. Spending just a few minutes outlining your top priorities allows you to mentally “close” today’s chapter and start tomorrow with a proactive mindset. It’s an opportunity to build a structure for the next day, enhancing focus and reducing stress.

How Self-Reflection Builds Long-Term Wellbeing

Using the self-reflection page regularly helps build a habit of mindfulness. These prompts can contribute to greater self-awareness, increased job satisfaction, and personal growth by encouraging you to track the positives and identify any patterns or challenges. Over time, this reflective practice can foster a deeper sense of fulfillment and resilience, supporting you in your work with students and your broader professional journey.

The self-reflection page is a small yet powerful tool for school-based therapists, helping you find moments of peace and perspective amid a busy schedule.

NEED MORE HELP?

If you’re looking for even more strategies to manage the daily demands of school-based therapy, check out The School-Based Therapist’s Self-Assessment Guide. This guide offers insights and assessments to help you evaluate your strengths, identify areas for growth, and build a personalized approach to thrive in your role.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

To further support your journey as a school-based therapist, here are some valuable resources to help boost productivity, manage workloads, and support mental well-being. These resources can serve as valuable tools in your ongoing efforts to maintain balance, productivity, and well-being in your school-based therapy work. These links offer practical strategies, printable tools, and insights to make your day-to-day work a little easier:

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE QUICK WINS CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOL-BASED THERAPISTS HERE

Get your free Quick Wins Checklist to keep these productivity tips at your fingertips, and start incorporating these small steps into your routine today!

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