Katie Lunn
Occupational Therapy.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialist
COVID-19 - An Occupational Therapist's Perspective
Welcome to my blog where I aim to support you to maintain your mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.
With Covid-19 upon us and restrictions in many areas of life being imposed – it is vital that we are mindful of the need adapt the occupations in our lives so we can continue to engage in them in some way, shape or form – rather than stop them.
This will not only go a long way in helping you to maintain your mental and physical health, but because occupation is a natural user of time which provides a sense of purpose, it will prevent boredom, depression and destructive behaviour.
BOREDOM IS THE ARCH ENEMY OF WELLNESS (Ardell, 1986)
March 15, 2020
Human beings are occupational beings. This means that occupation is of vital importance because engaging in meaningful occupations promotes health and well-being.
Occupations are fundamental to human health and well-being because they provide meaning, identity, and structure to our lives. Boredom is the arch enemy of wellness (Ardell, 1986)
So, what are occupations? Most people link the word ‘occupation’ with work – but it’s way more than that! Let’s keep it basic by splitting it into 3 domains:
1) Self-Care (cooking, cleaning, communication, functional mobility, personal hygiene, housework etc)
2) Productivity (work, volunteering, studying, school etc)
3) Leisure (hobbies, interests, sports etc)
For some people, certain occupations may bridge more than one area – for example cooking – it covers self-care but many people really enjoy cooking and see it as a hobby too. The same may apply to exercise.
So – With Covid-19 upon us and restrictions being imposed with regards to self-isolation, working from home, government bans on mass gatherings – it is of vital importance that we are mindful that we need adapt the occupations in our lives so we can continue to engage in them in some way, shape or form – rather than stop them. This will not only go a long way in helping you to maintain your mental and physical health, but because occupation is a natural user of time which provides a sense of purpose, it will prevent boredom, depression and also destructive behaviour (smoking, alcohol/drugs etc).
What we need to be aware of:
OCCUPATIONAL DISRUPTION - This happens when your normal pattern of occupational engagement is disrupted by life events. Disruption is often temporary.
OCCUPATIONAL DEPRIVATION This is when a person or a group of people are unable to do what is necessary and meaningful in their lives due to external restrictions. The opportunity to perform occupations that have social, cultural and personal relevance is rendered difficult if not impossible.
OCCUPATIONAL IMBALANCE This occurs when a person is unoccupied, under occupied or over occupied. The loss of balance of engagement in occupations affects health and well-being
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Seek out variety and novel ways to pass the time. Play games, spring clean, do some decorating, get out in the garden, batch cook, follow exercise classes on YouTube, have movie nights, the list is endless really….. Why not use the time to get done all those household jobs you keep putting off?
• Be mindful that occupation is a mechanism for social interaction – make sure you keep in touch with people by phone, skype, facetime etc. Make regular telephone contact with elderly people you know so reduce their risk of social isolation. Support them by offering to do an online shop for example. If they have the technology – use Skype or facetime too!
• Do fun things with the children! It’s amazing what you can find around the house to do arts and crafts with…get creative! Look for small beasts in the garden, plant some seeds, have a sort out of their toys and clothes ready for charity shops or car boot sale season! Dust off board games, do things as a family at home - as you would at Christmas time!
• Find an activity to engage in which provides a sense of purpose – this will give you a great sense of well-being!
• If you are having to self-isolate, try to maintain balance. Stick to your usual routine as much as you are able from your room/home you are isolated in.
• If you are working from home, do so for the same hours of the day you’d be at work. During this time, be sure to liaise with colleagues to keep in touch and abreast of work-related issues, and to check in with one another to look after each other and be supportive.
The list goes on and on. As I get more ideas in the comments, I will add these to my blog.
Finally, should you require any further support, don’t forget I’m here to provide Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment – just contact me via the link!
Wash your hands and stay well people
😊 Katie Lunn Occupational Therapy xxx
