Occupations are all the things we want, need, and must do in our daily and seasonal life. Occupations are in our waking, sleeping and all of our activities in between. Occupations require our heart, body and mind to work together in learning/work, self-care, rest, and play. Occupations are done with others or on our own, indoors and outdoors, in rain or shine. Occupations are important when we make our choices, as they help us to live life well. Our activities and occupations describe who we are, our various life roles and are ever-changing as we grow, learn and mature from babyhood to adult. A child's occupations include play, communicating their needs, learning to care for themselves, and exploration of the world. Developing skills for everyday occupations is an ongoing process for all of us. Challenges, curiosity, inquiry and by developing a little above our skill level - we can experience experience flow in our work, self-care, rest, and play. Wellbeing is supported when our occupations hold purpose and meaning and when our environment supports our participation. Daily occupations can be challenging at times for children, young adults and adults alike. Developing skills for performing our everyday occupations consistently can help us develop inner confidence, creativity, problem-solving focus, resilience, memory, and clear thinking. Happiness in our daily life's challenges follows learning in a secure environment where we are valued for who we are. Occupations include:
play: helps us to integrate new learning, find joy
productive activities: learning, volunteer or paid work
social activities: attending school, family get togethers, leisure or community groups
rest and restorative activities: sleep, walking in a park, reading a book, drawing, noticing bird-life
self-care activities: showering and dressing, cooking, communicating our needs and managing our feelings and emotions
Occupations require performing tasks such as:
fine and gross motor skills
being on time, ready to participate
being organised with our belongings and equipment
greeting others and joining in conversations, team work, family or group activities
having all we need to take a shower, dressing appropriately for our bodies or the weather
Occupations require us to understand:
our needs, values and motivation - inner knowledge
our preferred environment - for participation in daily, seasonal occupations
our bodies, feelings and emotions - for effective self-regulation and co-regulation
our social communication style - our and other's perspective, for ways to connect with others well
our unique attention, focus, memory, planning and executive functioning skills
creative problem-solving, have curiosity
our sensory interface experience with the world around us - individual and collective caring sensory integration skills
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