Occupational Therapy: Your Secret Weapon for Lifestyle Redesign and Optimal Health

Forget the fad diets and the one-size-fits-all workout routines. Optimizing your health and well-being requires a personalized approach that considers your unique lifestyle and needs. Enter occupational therapy (OT) – a holistic healthcare profession that can be your secret weapon for creating a sustainable and fulfilling life.

Beyond Injury Rehab: The Expanding Role of OT

Traditionally, occupational therapy focused on helping individuals regain independence after an injury or illness. But today, OTs are extending their expertise to the realm of lifestyle medicine and health promotion. They understand the powerful link between daily routines, habits, and overall well-being.

Here's why an occupational therapist can be your ultimate partner in health optimization:

• Lifestyle Redesign: OTs are skilled in a framework called "Lifestyle Redesign." This evidence-based approach focuses on identifying and modifying your daily routines to improve your health and prevent chronic conditions. They'll work with you to incorporate healthy habits seamlessly into your existing lifestyle, making them sustainable in the long run.

• Health Education Tailored to You: Forget dry lectures and generic advice. OTs take a client-centered approach, providing you with personalized education based on your specific needs and goals. Whether you want to learn about healthy sleep hygiene, manage stress more effectively, or improve your nutrition, an OT can create a plan that empowers you to take charge of your health.

• Addressing the Root Causes: Unlike quick fixes that focus on symptoms, OTs delve deeper. They explore the underlying reasons behind unhealthy habits and work with you to develop strategies to address them. This holistic approach leads to lasting changes that promote long-term health.

Optimizing Your Health: A Day in the Life with OT

Imagine starting your day with an OT-guided assessment. They'll analyze your daily routines, from your morning commute to your evening wind-down rituals. They might identify areas for improvement, like incorporating short walks into your workday or creating a relaxing bedtime routine.

Next, your OT will work with you to develop a personalized plan. Maybe it involves setting up an ergonomic workstation to prevent back pain, learning relaxation techniques to manage stress, or exploring healthy meal prep strategies to improve your diet.

The beauty of OT is the focus on occupation – the things you do to fill your days. They'll help you integrate healthy habits into activities you already enjoy, making them more sustainable and enjoyable.

The Benefits of Partnering with an OT:

• Improved Physical and Mental Health: By optimizing your daily routines, you can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, improve sleep quality, and manage stress more effectively.

• Enhanced Participation in Life: OTs can help you overcome limitations and participate in the activities that matter most to you, fostering a sense of fulfillment and well-being.

• Increased Confidence and Self-Efficacy: Learning new skills and tools to manage your health empowers you to take charge of your well-being, boosting your confidence and motivation.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

Don't wait for health concerns to arise. Occupational therapy can be a powerful tool for proactive health management and lifestyle optimization.

Schedule a consultation with a licensed occupational therapist today and embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you!

Here are some additional resources to learn more about occupational therapy and lifestyle medicine:

• American Occupational Therapy Association: https://www.aota.org/

• Academy of Occupational Therapy & Health: https://www.aota.org/

Remember, you have the power to optimize your health and live a fulfilling life. Occupational therapy can be your guide on this journey.

The U.S. "Healthcare System" Needs a Re-Brand

The healthcare industry is a low hanging fruit for innovation. In graduate school, I took a course on the history of healthcare industries throughout the world. It was shocking to see how decisions were made to address underlying public health concerns. Nothing was simply fixed. Instead, an addition step would be required for clinicians, or a random (questionably qualified) committee was created to regulate. These high level strategies have created an outdated industry with overworked helpers, underserved patients, antiquated communication systems, and major gaps in the supply chain. There’s no singular person to point to for accountability, it is a systemic problem. One of the silver linings of covid was that telemedicine increased 63x for patients, and this is an exciting industry change to watch in the next decade. But to call this industry “Health + Care” is misleading, it should be called “Disease Management” .

What does this look like for an everyday patient? Sadly, many healthcare patients fall through the cracks. With the disease management system straining to keep up with demand, patients need to advocate for their own health.

Speaking up for yourself will ensure you get the referrals, treatments, and diagnoses you need. Making your needs heard will help you get better care while increasing your sense of control over your own health—which is something we all deserve to feel. Here’s how to do it.

Take Your Health into Your Own Hands

You might have more control over your own health than you believe. According to Healthline, making healthy lifestyle improvements can relieve aches and pains, lengthen your lifespan, and help prevent common diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Staying active, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and controlling stress will go a long way toward improving your overall health. Not sure where to start? Sign up for an individualized yoga session with The Wolf of Wellness, or try mindfulness techniques for pain relief. 

Even if your life is very busy, look for opportunities to fit in healthy activities. For example, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, keeping healthy snacks on hand, and carrying around a reusable water bottle. Make it as easy for you to make healthier choices!

Know Your Patient Rights

So few of us know our rights as healthcare patients. The American Medical Association lists all of the rights you have as a patient of the healthcare system. Know these rights and stand up for them! These are just a few of your patient rights:

• To ask questions about your health status and recommended treatment.

• To make your own decisions about your care and have those decisions respected.

• To obtain copies and summaries of your medical records.

• To obtain a second opinion.

• To discuss costs, benefits, and risks of treatments and alternatives, including those of forgoing treatment.

Bring a Buddy

It’s not always easy to advocate for yourself, especially when you’re feeling nervous, scared, or sick. Your attention may be elsewhere, focused solely on getting the care you need at that moment. Consider bringing a buddy along to take notes, prompt you on questions you wanted to ask, and help you remember the information you receive. Research suggests that having a healthcare buddy can improve your health outcomes and extend your life!

Keep Copies of Your Medical Records

Keeping your medical records will give you much greater control over your health and the care you receive. In fact, knowing your health information could save your life one day! Doctors heavily rely on the information in your health records to make accurate diagnoses and prescribe treatments. Collecting and reading copies of your health data will help you verify that the information is correct. 

Ask as Many Questions as You Need

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you don’t understand something your doctor says, ask for clarification. Remember, it’s your right to ask questions. In fact, many doctors wish their patients asked more questions about things like test results, medications, and preventive care. 

Do Your Own Research

You can also do your own research! Research your concerns and conditions before going to the doctor and write down information or questions you would like to discuss at your appointment. Just remember that the sources you read online might not have correct or accurate information, so always refer to your doctor’s advice if you come across conflicting information. With that in mind, avoid self-diagnosing yourself based on online information. There’s no substitute for a trained medical professional!

If you feel overlooked by the healthcare system, it’s time to stand up for yourself! Take your health into your own hands by making healthy lifestyle choices, bring a friend or family member along to your appointments, and exercise your patient rights. Don’t be afraid to demand the high quality of care you deserve!

Ready to take back your health? Schedule a session with The Wolf of Wellness today! We’ll work with you to create a customized health routine that revolves around fitness, nutrition, and meditation.

7 Hobbies to Try if You Are Unsure Where to Begin

 Hobbies are a great way to relieve stress and add happiness to your life. But finding the right hobby can be hard, and trying something new can be intimidating at any age. Thankfully, half the battle is simply getting started. Check out some hobbies to try below.

Start Exercising

Although many people view exercise as a chore, it’s actually a very beneficial hobby that has numerous benefits for both your mind and your body, including helping to alleviate depression and stress. Yoga is a great stress reliever -- connect with The Wolf of Wellness for individualized yoga sessions. You can also kickstart your exercise regimen by simply doing some push-ups and jumping jacks in the backyard. Whatever you do, make sure you keep it safe and fun.

Any physical activity will tell your brain it’s time to produce endorphins. These feel good hormones improve mood instantly, and they have other benefits, too. Harvard acknowledges, however, the early days of taking on a fitness routine are hard, but the best things in life don’t come easy. 

Use a Real Camera

Photography is a popular hobby across all age groups. Unlike other art forms that require years of discipline to master, photography shows results almost immediately, especially if you are working with a DSLR camera. This doesn’t mean there aren’t any learning curves. You will absolutely take a lot of mediocre photographs before you get good.

Digital Photography School encourages new hobbyists to jump in and experiment with the camera to help get familiar with how it works, then turn to manuals and tutorials. Getting hands-on straight away will help make those lessons comprehensible.

This hobby does require an investment to purchase the right gear. If you’re still on the fence, try renting or borrowing equipment, and go for a trial run before you commit to a camera.

One of the greatest benefits of photography is that it lets you see the world -- and people --  from a different perspective. It’s also a great way to socialize, and there are photography clubs in all major cities. 

Take a Hike

If you love being in nature and live near national forests or hiking trails, then you have a new hobby right at your fingertips. All you need to do is get a comfortable pair of shoes, a first-aid kit, a reusable water bottle, and a small backpack — and then you’re ready to rock. If you have a dog, bring your four-legged companion along for the journey. Are you a cat owner? Maybe it’s time to try a new hobby together with your feline. If your cat is the adventurous type, you could always grab a cat backpack and take them for a ride. 

Aside from spending time with your pet pal, hiking is an excellent way to reconnect with nature. This can give you a mood boost, improve your self-esteem, and help you feel more at ease, even once you’re back indoors. 

Get in the Groove

Music has a way of taking hold of people. Let yourself feel the beat and dance. Dancing is a great way to let loose. It also has the ability to improve memory and promote balance, making it a great hobby for seniors. What’s more, for those in addiction recovery, dancing can also provide an outlet for them to escape. Many addicts turn to substance abuse due to stress. Dancing is known to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety while also being a form of expression and, therefore, is a great way to prevent relapse.

Learn a New Language

Learning a new language gets more difficult after you pass adolescence, but that does not mean it’s impossible. In today’s increasingly connected world, being bilingual is a valued skill to have, and thankfully, there are many tools at your disposal to help you do so.

Tried and true language sets are no longer your only option. You can download an app or take classes online. Watching foreign films with subtitles on is an enjoyable way to learn new and unusual vocabulary. You can also seek out a fluent speaker to help you practice conversing, and this can open you up to new friendships. Look for language learning centers in your community or check online to see if there is someone in your area willing to chat with you once a week.

Start a Book Club

Reading can sharpen the mind and expose you to new ideas. Not to mention, many people find it relaxing. Books are also an excellent escape from reality and are far better for your brain than hours-long Netflix marathons. However, even better than reading a book in solitude is being able to talk about it afterward. It can be a fun way to bond with people and practice your critical thinking.

Try starting a book club with some friends. Book Riot urges you to find a democratic way to nominate what book to read. This is supposed to be a fun activity, and no one likes a book dictator. If you can’t find enough people to start a book club in person or if you have different taste in books than your friends, consider joining an online book club. There are many niches and genre-specific groups that’d be more than happy to have you.

Don’t Stop at Recreation

Once you find yourself practicing a hobby for fun and recreation, it’s not time to call it quits. Rather, it's the opposite: Start thinking about ways to turn your hobby into a career. A great way to get started is to look towards getting an online education at a university like WGU. Online college courses are a great way to learn while keeping a good work-school-life balance. That’s because you can learn at your own pace and take classes anytime and anywhere you prefer. Plus, employers are always looking for candidates who are dedicated to learning.

It’s okay if you aren’t so adept at your new hobby at first. Learning a new skill can take time. Be patient, and let yourself make mistakes. If your new hobby truly is not a good fit for you, that’s okay, too. Move on, and try something else. The key is simply to be open to new experiences.

In addition to hobbies, you can also greatly benefit from the services that The Wolf of Wellness offers, such as meditation, yoga, nutrition coaching, and physical rehabilitation. Schedule a session on our website today!

Article By Cheryl Conklin at Wellness Central
Photo courtesy of Unsplash