OT Week 2022: RCOT’s crisis call for free OT life hacks
What is in your hack sack? Could you brighten the life of someone struggling with the cost-of-living crisis by sharing some of your OT life hacks with them?
Not everyone is able to access your support. […] This campaign is about giving people the knowledge to make changes that will have a positive impact on their lives – it’s always easier with a little help from an expert. 
RCOT [1]
Free OT life hacks could provide minute-by-minute help to people unable to access occupational therapy as the UK’s cost-of-living crisis continues, advises the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
With healthcare and funding resources stretched, any OT strategy that supports people in supporting themselves could make a significant difference in their daily lives.
This year’s Occupational Therapy Week theme is ‘Lift up your every day’ with an aim of lifting someone else’s day by sharing expert OT knowledge.
So, is there something super helpful hiding in your OT hack sack that you can share for free via RCOT in OT Week 2022, which runs until the 13th of November?
While you are having a think, here are eight of the daily living strategies for home, work, school, and play already being shared via video shorts on RCOT’s dedicated OT life hack hub...
‘Stack’ in the habit
Occupational therapist, Ellis explains how habit stacking can help people easily add new habits to old ones.
“Stack a new habit on top of an old habit to create a routine and make it easier to do,” she advises.
For example, if you need to drink more water, Ellis says, “Stack a new habit of drinking a glass of water on the old habit of getting out of bed in the morning.
“These combined create a new routine and make it easier to do.” Get inspired by Ellis here: [2]
Value your values
Accentuating the importance of taking some time every day to look after ourselves, OT Amberly suggests we find a tool, such as a paper or electronic diary, to help us organise that.
“Using these tools can help you prioritise things that are both meaningful and purposeful. For example, spending time with friends and family, self-care activities like a pampering session, or going for a walk with your partner and your dog.
“It’s important to prioritize time for yourself to lift up your every day.” Access Amberly’s video here: [2]
Break it down
Do you sometimes feel anxious about everything you need to achieve in a day? Anyone answering ‘yes’ to that would benefit from OT Kirsty’s life hack.
“Make time and, more importantly, take that time to plan your work or study,” she says.
“Break down each activity you need to achieve into small manageable tasks. This way you won’t feel overwhelmed.”
It will also mean you can prioritize tasks and include that all-important time for yourself.
Kirsty adds, “You can then celebrate each little activity as you achieve it, helping you lift up your every day.” Kirsty’s cracker of a like hack is here: [3]
Film it
Help a young person who needs to learn a new task to become more independent by taking OT Annymn’s advice.
“Make a video with them as they perform the task,” she suggests. “Many of us learn best when we can watch someone do something and copy that instead of just being told what to do.
“If they then have the video on their phone, they can always go back and check it whenever they need to.”
It is a life hack that not only lifts them, Annymn adds, but also lifts you, knowing you have helped them! Access Annymn’s video here: [3]
Grab on the go!
OT Gillian has great advice for anyone needing to monitor personal energy when moving around their home.
“Never leave a room empty-handed,” she says. “On the days you’re not feeling so great, use your time efficiently.”
Gillian gives examples such as taking up washed clothes if you’re already going upstairs and putting shoes away if you’re passing the cupboard. “This way you save time for things you want to do,” she adds. Get Gillian’s great hack here: [4]
TV break and tone
OT Rosa has eyes on television advert breaks with her helpful hack for keeping muscles strong and preventing falls.
She explains, “As we get older, it’s important that we keep moving so we can carry on doing the things that we love and need to do.
“Get up from the sofa or chair when the tv adverts come on. It can be as simple as walking into another room.
“Adding an extra little bit of movement into your day every day can help keep your muscle tone which will make it less likely for you to have a tumble or a fall.” Rosa’s reminder is here: [4]
Mess it up!
Help children who are nervous about making mistakes with India’s OT life hack, in the style of the much-loved fictional nanny, Mary Poppins!
“Set some time and space aside for your child to take part in an activity and not worry about making a mess,” India says.
“Being able to make a mess fosters communication, curiosity, and imagination and boosts self-confidence in children. All of these are fundamental life skills to have and could be that little lift that you both may need.
“Even the cleaning can be fun too if you put on some music, for example. It worked for Mary Poppins!” Find India’s idea here: [5]
Role with it!
It can help children who are struggling to try something new – which makes role-playing an OT life hack too in occupational therapist, Sarah’s book.
“Help your child pretend to be their favourite character from a tv programme, book, or movie and dress up or act as them,” she says.
“Then ask them to try doing something they are worried about. Role-playing as someone else can really help them overcome their fears and to try something new.
“Achieving something new and having fun doing it can give you both a little lift.” Lift off with Sarah’s idea here: [5]
There are three ways you can share your OT life hacks to help people in need in OT Week 2022:
- Share short videos on social media.
- Promote RCOT’s dedicated OT Life Hacks page and #OTHacks with everyone you know
- Create and share your own life hacks
Find out more about taking part in OT Week 2022 here: [1]
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