M1 S2

Overview of Occupational Balance Lecture

• Introduction

  • Instructor is well-equipped to discuss occupational balance.

  • Mention of lab schedule starting in week three.

  • Lab manual availability in Module 3 under Lab Immersion.

  • Structure of class: Brief lecture, reflection activity, group work on assignment due next week.

Lab Manual Overview

• General structure: typical lab manual subject to change.

• Presentation on prescribing therapeutic exercise scheduled for next Thursday.

• First lab day involves various stations:

  • Eight Pods: Rotating through four different educational stations.

  • Topics covered include:

  • Driving and community mobility.

  • Prescribing therapeutic exercise.

  • Workplace ergonomics (including proper body mechanics).

  • Community screenings (e.g., TUG test, 30-second sit-to-stand test, single-leg test).

• Skills Checks:

  • Three skills checks covering driving and community mobility, workplace ergonomics, and community screening.

  • Purpose: Ensuring understanding and preparation for practical assessments.

• Practical Assessment Details:

  • Conducted on day two of lab.

  • Students receive a case study and must select appropriate screenings/assessments.

  • Time limit: 10 minutes to analyze case study.

  • Open book policy allowed for reviewing notes.

  • Students must prescribe and demonstrate two therapeutic exercises safely.

  • Write home exercise program (HEP) based on assigned exercises.

  • HEP must be written in a way that clients can understand (not open book).

• Additional Lab Activities:

  • Students will explore complementary and alternative medicine.

  • Activities include yoga, guided imagery, kinesio taping, and NICU infant massage.

  • Site visits (e.g., Waco Zoo) to understand accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

  • Demonstration of a VAN accessibility to understand transportation issues.

  • Introduction to a new virtual reality system for occupational therapy tools.

• Learning Expectations: Encouragement to understand videos on testing and strategies before the lab.

Occupational Balance Discussion

• Definition of Occupational Balance:

  • Not explicitly defined in OTPF but interwoven in different areas.

  • Refers to the balance of meaningful occupations and its impact on quality of life.

• Importance of Reflection:

  • Regular check-ins on time management and fulfillment in activities.

  • The need for achieving alignment between responsibilities and desired activities.

• Flow Concept:

  • Importance of the concept of flow in managing occupational balance.

  • Encourages subjective assessments of occupational engagement and enjoyment.

• Variability of Balance:

  • Balance does not imply equal time allocation; emphasizes qualitative engagement.

  • Acknowledgment of individual circumstances influencing balance (e.g., family, working students).

Signs of Imbalance

• Effects of Occupational Imbalance:

  • Over-engagement leads to burnout; under-engagement results in boredom and apathy.

  • Strain from over-commitment leads to disconnection from meaningful occupations, potentially resulting in identity loss.

  • Common for clients to lose sense of self when engaging primarily in a single role (e.g., military identity).

• Reflection Activity:

  • Participants engage in reflective exercises on their definitions and feelings towards balance.

• Signs of Occupational Imbalance in Various Populations:

  • Essential workers, caregivers, single parents, etc.

• Mention of empirical studies showing correlation between occupational balance and reduced academic burnout.

Interventions and Self-Improvement

• Role of Occupational Therapists:

  • Supporting variety and balance in clients' lives.

  • Designing wellness-based routines.

  • Advocating access for participation in meaningful activities.

• Practical Suggestion for Improvement:

  • Explore new interests, set boundaries on non-meaningful tasks, and initiate conversations on occupational balance with clients.

• Personal Reflection and Action Planning:

  • Activity focusing on creating a visual representation of current vs. ideal life balance (24-hour breakdown).

  • Considerations include balancing sleep, work, family time, and self-care activities.

  • Intentional time management, particularly in challenging times such as graduate school.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Reminder for students to reflect on activities from the session and prepare for upcoming discussions.

• Encouragement for immediate application of occupational balance principles in weekly planning.