Stress Relief, OT Style
I've probably mentioned in other blogs that graduate school has been one of the most difficult, trying experiences of my life. This isn't a bad thing; I like to be challenged. However, challenges often bring with them unprecedented levels of stress. I'm sure that any grad student can attest to the strain that comes along with furthering one's education.
So what are we to do? Everyone has at some point compiled lists of generic stress relievers, so I won't do yet another one of those. Instead, I will try to pull my suggestions from the practice of OT, so you can receive therapy as you devote so many hours to giving it!
- Theraputty is one of my favorite ways to expel excess tension. Who doesn't love essentially playing with Silly Putty? Those blue foam blocks used for hand strengthening also make excellent stress relievers.
- Con one of your PT friends into giving you a massage.
- Play with assistive technology. If trying to eat your lunch or giving a coworker a wedgie with a reacher doesn't make you laugh, you should just go home.
- Clean or sanitize everything. I'm not a huge fan of cleaning, but it's a mindless task that really dispels a lot of tension, and helps to prevent the spread of infection, too.
- Recount your favorite moments from the week before. Often, things that seemed disastrous at the time are hilarious in hindsight.
- Give yourself some sensory or vestibular treatment. Have someone smoosh you with a mat or spin you around in a chair. Just be careful who you ask. If no one can be trusted, go in the closet and brush yourself.
- Practice all your ADLs, including the sleep and sex ones. (can I endorse that? If not just delete this one)
- Since OT is considered a holistic profession, do something else that's labeled holistic. Try some aromatherapy, start taking vitamins, or talk to your patients about home remedies they might know about. You always learn something interesting this way. (On a side note, I am entirely convinced that my slavish devotion to Flintstones gummy vitamins since August is solely responsible for me not getting sick YET. Of course, after advertising that I will now catch a cold tomorrow.)
- Modalities can be fun, too. Just don't get in trouble for using up all the paraffin.
- Exercise is always a great stress-buster, and can be built in to many of the activities you do without even realizing it.
That's certainly not a comprehensive list. What are your suggestions for what works best to calm you down?