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Creating Space for Rest While Living the Travel Life
One of the biggest perks of working a travel job as a physical, occupational, or speech therapist? The constant opportunity for adventure. New Cities. New People. New hikes, coffee shops, beaches, and hidden gems. It’s a lifestyle made for exploring—but if you’ve been at it for a while, you probably know how easy it is to run yourself ragged trying to make the most of every moment. That’s where balance comes in. As exciting as life on the road can be, it’s still your life—and that means making space for rest, reflection, and the little routines that keep you grounded. Here’s how to embrace the adventure while also taking care of yourself.
Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down
It’s easy to feel like every free moment needs to be filled with plans—especially when you’re in a new place with limited time to explore. But treating every day like a bucket list can leave you more drained than inspired. The truth is, not every day has to be an adventure. You’re allowed to slow down, take a night off, or stay in on a sunny Saturday. That doesn’t mean you’re missing out—it means you’re listening to what you need.
By giving yourself that space, you’ll start to notice what actually brings you joy, not just what looks good on a social feed. Maybe it’s a quiet morning walk through a nearby park, a peaceful afternoon at a local café, or a spontaneous drive with no real destination. When you let go of the pressure to “do it all,” you make room for more meaningful moments—the kind that refuel you instead of wearing you out.
Build a Self-Care Routine that Moves with You
Working as a travel therapist means you’re no stranger to change, your apartment, coworkers, and city are changing with every contract. Having a few simple self-care routines that actually work for you can help ensure you feel grounded. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It just has to work for you, wherever you are.
Maybe it’s making the same breakfast every morning no matter where you’re living, setting aside ten minutes each night to stretch, journal, or just breathe. Or maybe it’s calling the same friend every Sunday, walking after work, or listening to your favorite podcast while cooking dinner. Small habits, done consistently, become familiar touchpoints that can ease the transition into each new assignment. Don’t worry about sticking to a perfect schedule, focus on creating a rhythm that feels comfortable for you.
Know When to Rest—and Make It Non-Negotiable
In a career that asks a lot of your time and energy, rest isn’t something that happens by accident. You have to build it into your schedule on purpose. Without it, even the most amazing and memorable adventures can start to feel overwhelming. Rest looks different for everyone. It might mean a full day of doing nothing but catching up on sleep and laundry. It might mean saying no to social plans because you need a quiet night alone with a good book. It might even mean taking a weekend to unplug and drive somewhere peaceful without an agenda. The key is to recognize when your body and mind need a reset—and to treat that need like any other priority. You’re not being lazy or antisocial. You’re protecting your ability to keep showing up, both for your patients and for yourself.
The beauty of being a travel therapist isn’t just the places you go. It’s the person you become by learning how to build a life that blends flexibility, passion, and adventure. So yes—chase the adventure. Try the new restaurants. Explore the scenic drives. But also rest. Take care of yourself. And know that a balanced life on the road is the key to making it sustainable—and unforgettable.