Making Time for OT Self-Care
Mindfulness, Stress Management, and Wellness in Daily Life
As occupational therapists, we dedicate much of our time and energy to supporting the health and well-being of others. Yet, amid the demands of work, family, and everyday responsibilities, it can be challenging to prioritize our own self-care.
Stress, burnout, and occupational imbalance can affect our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Workplace expectations and ethical challenges may also contribute to stress, particularly when we feel unable to provide the care we believe our clients need.
Self-care is not a luxury. It is an important part of maintaining our health, wellness, and ability to engage meaningfully in daily life.
How Mindfulness and Self-Care Can Help
In my book, Intuitive Development, I share practices that can help calm the mind and body, strengthen self-awareness, and support a deeper connection with our intuition.
These practices include:
- Breathwork: Slow, diaphragmatic breathing can encourage relaxation and help calm the body’s stress response.
- Progressive relaxation: Releasing physical tension can promote relaxation and greater awareness of how stress affects the body.
- Mindfulness meditation: Bringing awareness to the present moment can help reduce worry, improve attention, and support emotional well-being.
- Guided imagery: Imagining a peaceful or restorative place can help create a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Self-compassion: Treating ourselves with kindness and understanding can support emotional resilience and help us navigate difficult experiences.
These practices can also create space to connect with our intuition and inner wisdom. As we become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and needs, we may recognize when something in our lives is out of balance and make more intentional choices about our well-being.
Supporting Occupational Balance
Occupational balance involves finding a personally meaningful and sustainable combination of work, rest, self-care, relationships, and other daily activities.
Even small adjustments to our routines can make a difference. Taking mindful breaks, setting boundaries, incorporating relaxation into transitions, and making time for meaningful activities are ways to support greater balance.
Self-care is important. Although, workplace and organizational challenges also require broader solutions.
Join Me for OT Self-Care
I invite you to join me for an interactive continuing education class:
OT Self-Care: Mindfulness, Stress Management, and Wellness in Daily Life
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CST
Live Online | Recording Available
2 Hours CE
$39 | Holistic OT Members $29
Together, we’ll explore practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques, intuitive self-awareness, occupational balance, and ways to incorporate wellness into everyday life.
You’ll also have an opportunity to explore a wellness inventory and begin developing your own personalized self-care and wellness plan.
I hope you can join me!
Emmy Vadnais, OTR/L
Holistic OT Community
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