When thinking about a time in my life when I experienced occupational balance I actually think back to the very beginning of covid. While the rest of the world probably felt an occupational imbalance, it was the first time in a long time that I felt balanced. During this time I wasn't playing a sport, so all I had to do was go to work and do my online school. This left me way more time for the recreational occupations I wanted to do. I used this time to do things I hadn't had time to do in a while like hammocking, hiking, fishing, etc.
Since starting graduate school, I am not sure that I have experienced occupational balance yet. My everyday schedule consists of school and work. I think right now I truly only make time to eat once in a while. I have implemented scheduling out my day better to try and create occupational balance. This has helped, but I need to stick with it better to see true results.
I think my participation in my occupation this week truly fits within the concept of occupational balance. This week I brought along four of my cohort members to bowl as well. After a tough week with our big tests and essays, I think taking a break to participate in a co-occupation was needed. It was a lot of fun for all of us to be able to hang out outside of school. I personally felt like it was an occupation where I was able to just relax and have fun. This goes to show how important occupational balance is.
As far as how bowling went we all did really well. The first game was a bit rough for everyone, but we just considered this to be our "warmup." The second game was a lot better and every person was able to improve their score from the first game. Overall, it was a lot of fun to include some of my classmates in my occupation and truly be able to take a break to experience occupational balance.
Sami,
ReplyDeleteThat is so fun that a couple of you were able to go bowling together! Such a good idea after the past 2 busy weeks we have had with school. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned having an occupational balance during COVID because that was a time of chaos for most people! I agree though that I was able to find balance during this time and I think it was because my classes weren't in person and my assignments weren't taking as long. Was this the first time in your undergrad that you found an occupational balance?
Hey Rieta,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. This was the first time in my undergrad that I was able to find occupational balance. Throughout my first three years in undergrad, I was playing a sport, working, and finishing school. I was not great at finding occupational balance during that time. I think it was during Covid that I was finally able to balance my schedule out and find that balance.