If you graduated recently, you probably remember studying for your board exams fondly. Well, maybe not so fondly. Studying for your boards can be pretty stressful and it’s likely that you had to put most other areas of your life aside for a period of time. There is still some summer left, so we want to make sure you unwind a little before you begin your work as a full-time rehab therapist. Here are five ways we suggest you relax after taking your board exams!
1. Get outdoors.
You’ve probably spent a lot of time inside studying lately. There are usually more outdoor activities going on during the summer than the winter, so make sure you take advantage of these. Whether it’s attending a concert, visiting a farmer’s market, or just going for a walk with your pet, getting outside and enjoying some fresh air can help relieve some of that stress you’ve built up.
2. Try something new.
In other words, check something off your “bucket list.” Whether it’s taking a road trip to somewhere you’ve never been, sky diving, or simply trying a new food, doing something new can make you feel good about yourself. You’re finally done with school, now have some fun!
3. Reconnect with friends and family.
It’s likely that your friends and family have been feeling a little neglected with all that work you’ve been doing lately. Take some time to go out with friends, cook dinner with your family, or hang out with both at the same time. The more the merrier! Surround yourself with the people who have supported you most over the last few years. They will be so happy to have your attention again.
4. Catch up on TV.
Who doesn’t love a lazy Sunday when you can catch up on all your favorite shows? If you’re like me, you’ve been putting off watching the newest season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix because you know you’ll get sucked in and want to watch the whole season in one sitting. Well, now that you’re done studying, you have some free time to lay on the couch and enjoy a little downtime without worrying about your studies.
5. Sleep.
Nothing relieves a little stress like feeling rested. And, you’re probably tired after all the cramming you did leading up to your board exams. Whether you like to sleep in or take a nap, chances are you’ve been too busy to do much of either lately. After all that you’ve accomplished, you should take some time to recover and refresh your mind. You’re about to embark on a new chapter in your life – congratulations!
It can be hard to make the transition from a student to a working therapist. After all the hard work you’ve put in, take some time to celebrate all that you’ve done and relax. Once you start working, it could be awhile before you take another vacation. Enjoy the time you have and make the most of what this last bit of summer has to offer!
Brooke Alstrom joined Aureus Medical Group in May 2013 as a Recruiter with the Nursing division. She now works as a Student Recruiter for the Rehab Therapy Student Outreach Program where she recruits newly-graduated therapists, travels to career fairs and conventions, gives Lunch & Learn presentations, and manages social media accounts. In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog, trying new restaurants, going to concerts and other events, completing DIY projects, and traveling.