What is occupation?

Occupation is the term we use to describe the activities people do throughout their days giving purpose and meaning.

The range of things we do in a day is colossal! For example, think about the things you enjoy doing like playing football, reading books, chatting with friends, going on the internet, music or gardening. Next think of the things we have to do such as getting up, keeping ourselves clean, housework, cooking, childcare, pet care, shopping, driving and going to work. What about the things you would like to do like starting a new hobby, going to college, getting a new job, joining a new club or getting to the gym?

All these things are your occupations.

Why do we need occupation?

Firstly, consider how well you feel when doing something fun or completing an essential task. Now think about what it would be like if you were unable to do these enjoyable activities or your important jobs. You may feel quite negative.

Being occupied doing the things we want and have to do, as well as planning for the future, is a vital part of our well-being.

Did you know that when people are participating in a full range of activities they are less likely to become ill and more likely to recover from any illnesses they have?

How can occupation and activity help me?

Your brain is a thinking organ, it grows and improves itself by interacting with the world through using all our senses. Lack of stimulation and mental exercise can cause our brains to become less efficient and lower our mood. When we feel like this we do less and then we tend to feel worse. In time our ability to do the simplest tasks can become a challenge.

This can leave us feeling unconfident, anxious or even hopeless.

By getting involved in activities offered during your admission you will give your brain the opportunity to be stimulated. This will help you recover in a number of ways:

  • It may improve your concentration

  • It can improve your mood

  • It will keep you alert

  • It will increase your energy levels

  • It will motivate you to do more

  • It will give you chance to socialise

  • It will help structure your day

  • It is enjoyable

  • It may improve your confidence

What does occupational therapy offer?

In the ward a wide range of activities are on offer designed to help with your recovery. The occupational therapy (OT) team will also help you to look at your life outside the hospital to enable you identify any problems or concerns you may have. For example, such issues may be around finances, accommodation, lack of structure, having too much or too little to do, feeling unable to be in crowds to shop or socialise, or just being able to look after yourself.

The OT service will help you create an action plan to help you achieve your goals. The plan will list occupations and activities you can complete either on your own or with support, and will help address the issues you have identified.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email PALS Team.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.