Occupational therapy week
Claudine Levasseur
Occupational Therapy BSc(Hons)
Hi, my name is Claudine, and I am an Occupational Therapy student at the University of Huddersfield.
What are occupations?
Occupations are amazing. They have the power to bring people meaning, purpose and joy and the best thing is that everyone's lives are full of occupations. For example- studying is an occupation. Walking your dog, reading a book, eating a meal, sleeping are all examples of occupations, simply put occupations are what people do, whether it's what they need to do or want to do. It's simply how we occupy ourselves.
As a university student, I often feel like all I do is sit down in lectures, read textbooks, and write assignments, but as I embark on the final year of my degree, I have been reflecting on how occupations have helped me so far.
I've come up with a few top tips for students and hopefully, they will help you manage your studies and allow you to do more of the things you like.
1. Organise your time
We all may feel overwhelmed at some point during the academic year. Our mind gets tired when it's constantly trying to remember things and make decisions, so planning your week ahead will help.
Make a list of the things that you need to do, and the things that you want to do. Allocate time for each one in your timetable (yes, the boring and the fun stuff). Be realistic and stick to your plan! Use an app or an old-fashioned diary, whatever works for you. You'll spend less time asking yourself what you should do next and more time actually doing the things you like.
2. Embrace your study style
Everyone has their own way of learning and studying. So, try different strategies and when you find the one that works for you, embrace it. If you thrive on that last-minute panic to write your essays, make sure that you clear your schedule for the day(s) prior to your assignment.
If, like me, you need a lot of time to develop your ideas, plan time each week to do so. If you find it hard to motivate yourself to get some work done, pair up with a study buddy and pay attention to where and when you study best.
Ask yourself: do you concentrate better at the library or in a café? Are you a night owl or a morning person? There's no right or wrong, just learn what works for you!
3. Take breaks
We've all been that student, sitting at their computer for hours, "working" on an assignment, while not writing much.
Don't sit there waiting for the panic to set in, take a break.
This will feel counterintuitive, but when you're not being productive, it means that your brain and body need a change of scenery. Find an activity to distract yourself with and forget about your work for a short while.
For me, something that involves movement like going for a walk usually does the trick.
Choose whatever works for you: sing or dance to your favourite song, make yourself a cuppa, spend time with your pet, do a jigsaw puzzle, phone a friend- the list goes on. By the time you come back to sit down at your computer you'll feel refreshed and who knows- you might even manage to finish that essay.
4. Sleep is key
"I'm too busy". "I'm too stressed". I get it. I've been there.
Sleep-deprived brains and bodies don't function well. Sleeping is a vital occupation. It keeps you alive and healthy.
If you struggle to fall asleep, try using your senses to wind down and to associate rest with something comforting: a fluffy set of pyjamas, soothing music/sounds, a relaxing smell or whatever works for you.
If stress is keeping you awake, write down your worries before bedtime. I find that usually helps me. So does moving during the day- get those steps in or do that gym session. When I've had a good night's sleep, I'm usually more productive and have more time to do the activities I enjoy.
5. Enjoy the journey!
Doing a degree is hard work and the path to graduation is filled with challenges.
You might love studying and feel that you're in your element at university- in that case, enjoy the ride!
In contrast, you might find that academic work is difficult and boring and you can't wait to finish your degree to finally be able to start your career. If this is the case, keep in mind why you are working so hard and picture yourself at graduation day. Try to enjoy other aspects of university that might be positive for you, this could be meeting new people or being involved in a society. Make time for the activities that are meaningful to you.
Don't forget to do things that bring you meaning and joy, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. Trust me, occupations will help you get through your journey.
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