Using Mindfulness to Prevent Burnout in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a rewarding profession, but it also comes with significant emotional, physical, and mental demands. The risk of burnout is high, with many OTs facing exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and stress from balancing heavy caseloads, paperwork, and workplace challenges. Feelings of burnout are common among health care professionals, including occupational therapy practitioners (Shin et al., 2022). Burnout can negatively impact patient care and have detrimental effects on physical and mental health (Green & Kinchen, 2021).
Mindfulness offers a powerful and accessible tool for preventing burnout, promoting resilience, and enhancing well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how mindfulness can help OTs navigate stress, reconnect with their purpose, and maintain a sustainable career.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing awareness to the present moment without judgment. It involves cultivating attention to thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations while fostering a sense of acceptance and calm. You can read more about the benefits of mindfulness here
In the context of occupational therapy, mindfulness can help professionals stay present with clients, manage stress, and build emotional resilience. It can be practiced formally through meditation or informally by incorporating mindful moments into daily routines.
Key Benefits of Mindfulness for OTs:
- Reduces stress and emotional exhaustion (Green & Kinchen, 2021).
- Enhances focus and decision-making.
- Improves emotional regulation and resilience.
- Strengthens therapeutic relationships with clients and increases compassion (with self and others) (Green & Kinchen, 2021).
What is Burnout in Occupational Therapy?
Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. In occupational therapy, burnout can result from high workloads and time demands, lack of autonomy (Gupta et al., 2012), lack of resources at work (Lloyd et al., 2005), low satisfaction with income (Baogun et al., 2002). , and lack of workplace support (Shin et al., 2022).
Signs of Burnout in OTs:
- Persistent fatigue and lack of motivation, or feeling “used up” by the end of the day .
- Feeling detached or emotionally drained.
- Reduced job satisfaction and effectiveness.
- Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Physical symptoms like headaches or sleep disturbances.
- (West, Dyrbye & Shanafelt, 2018).
Burnout not only affects the well-being of therapists but also impacts the quality of care provided to clients. That’s why it’s crucial to adopt proactive strategies—like mindfulness—to protect mental health and career longevity.
How Mindfulness Can Prevent Burnout in OTs
Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can be a game-changer for OTs, helping them navigate stress with greater ease. Here are some practical mindfulness strategies:
1. Mindful Breathing
Taking a few deep breaths between sessions can help reset the nervous system and promote calm. Try this simple technique:
- Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts.
- Repeat for 1-2 minutes, focusing on the sensation of the breath.
2. Body Scan for Stress Awareness
Before or after a long workday, take a moment to check in with your body:
- Close your eyes and scan from head to toe, noticing any tension.
- With each exhale, imagine releasing stress from different body parts.
- You can Try This Body Scan Here
3. Mindful Transitions
Instead of rushing between tasks or clients, take a mindful pause:
- Before entering a session, take a deep breath and set an intention for the interaction.
- After completing documentation, stretch for a moment before moving to the next task.
4. Gratitude and Reflection
Journaling or reflecting on small positive moments can help counteract stress:
- At the end of the day, write down one successful or one meaningful interaction you had with a client or someone (maybe a therapist friend or colleague).
- Practicing gratitude shifts focus away from stress and toward professional fulfillment.
5. Mindful Walking or Movement and Exercise
- Take a short mindful walk during breaks, paying attention to each step. Walk outside or inside in the halls.
- Incorporate gentle stretches or mindful yoga to release tension in the body. If you have a quiet space, with a wall, try Legs up the Wall
- Exercising a few times a week, or daily with strength training and cardiovascular benefits, getting fresh air, and moving in some way helps you feel empowered, refreshed and healthy.
6. Setting Boundaries with Compassion
Mindfulness can help occupational therapists recognize when they need to step back and set boundaries:
- Be aware of emotional and physical exhaustion, and allow yourself time to recharge.
- Say no to extra tasks when necessary, prioritizing self-care and work-life balance.
7. Incorporate Mindfulness with your Clients
Mindfulness isn’t just a tool for therapists—it can also be integrated into OT sessions to support clients’ self-regulation, focus, and emotional well-being. Some ideas include:
- Slow Stretching: Guide clients through slow, intentional stretches to help them tune into their bodies.
- Coloring: Encourage clients to color intricate designs while focusing on their breath.
- Simple Hand Breathing: Guide clients to trace their fingers while breathing in and out, creating a sensory anchor.
- If you work in schools, I have a post on how to use mindfulness with kids in schools. You can read that here.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Approach to OT Work
Mindfulness is not a quick fix but a long-term practice that can support occupational therapists in preventing burnout and fostering resilience. By integrating small mindful moments throughout the day, OTs can enhance their well-being, maintain job satisfaction, and continue providing compassionate care without sacrificing their own health.
If you’re an OT looking to reduce stress and stay engaged in your work, start with one mindfulness practice today—whether it’s a deep breath before a session or a mindful reflection at the end of the day. Your well-being matters just as much as the well-being of those you serve.
I have lots of mindfulness ideas on the blog. Try some of my mindfulness strategies here:
