Work Life Balancing Hacks for the Busy Occupational Therapy

Updated May 5, 2025

This article offers practical, real-life hacks to help occupational therapists manage common workplace stressors, maintain their physical and emotional well-being, and create a sustainable work-life balance. It emphasizes the importance of self-care, boundaries, and intentional habits to thrive in a demanding yet rewarding profession.

Real-Life Tips for Sustainable Success As An Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) dedicate their lives to serving and helping patients during critical—and often stressful—times of need. They observe. They evaluate. They motivate. They challenge. They coach. And they persevere.

Again, and again, and again.

But what happens when work and life start to swing out of sync? For many OTs, the idea of balance can seem almost laughable, buried beneath overflowing caseloads, productivity quotas, and emotional fatigue. Do heroes really have time to rest?

The answer is: they must.

Because the truth is, a healthy, reasonably balanced OT is:

• Better equipped to provide high-quality, consistent care over the long haul, and

• A living example of wellness for the very patients they coach toward health and independence.

Work-life balance doesn't mean achieving perfection—it means actively managing your time, energy, and emotions so you can show up for yourself and your clients.

Below are practical hacks that can counter the most common stressors OTs face daily, from crushing paperwork to physical exhaustion and emotional burnout.

Major Stressor: Productivity Requirements & Endless Paperwork

Productivity requirements exist in nearly every OT setting and drive the daily pace of your work. Most therapists report expectations between 70% and 89% productivity—meaning only a small fraction of your time can be spent on tasks considered “non-billable.”

These requirements become even more taxing when you add in:

• Lengthy documentation

• Insurance-mandated evaluations

• Scheduling coordination

• Interprofessional communications

In her article "Is Occupational Therapy Stressful?", Sarah Stromsdorfer, OTR/L, sums it up candidly:

“It really can feel like you’re a factory worker running from patient to patient with no bladder-emptying time.”

Balance Hack: FOCUS ON INPUT – Carefully Manage Your Fuel

Yes, you already know the value of nutrition and hydration—but how well are you applying it to your own life?

When work gets hectic, convenience takes over. Fast food, skipped meals, sugary snacks, and caffeine overload can throw your energy and mood into chaos. But managing your fuel intake is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to stabilize your daily performance.

Try This:

• Meal Prep on Sundays: Batch-cook or prep snacks to avoid decision fatigue during the week.

• Pack Smart Snacks: Think protein bars, almonds, fruit, yogurt—things that energize, not drain.

• Hydrate Consistently: Start your day with a full glass of water. Aim for half your body weight in ounces daily. Infuse water with lemon, cucumber, or berries to add nutrients and flavor.

• Bathroom Breaks Are Not Optional: If you tell patients self-care matters, model it. Schedule short breaks for hydration and restroom needs—non-negotiable for your health.

A well-fueled body supports mental clarity, physical endurance, and emotional resilience.

Major Stressor: Physical Strain, Workplace Drama, and Emotional Load

Whether it’s a physically demanding caseload, complex patients, or interpersonal friction at work, these stressors add up. They may differ in form but all drain your reserves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Suppressing or ignoring that pain can lead to chronic fatigue, resentment, compassion fatigue, or worse—burnout.

Balance Hack: FOCUS ON OUTPUT – External Expression

When you experience tension, it needs somewhere to go. The goal is to create healthy release valves for your stress—ways to process what you’re carrying instead of letting it pile up.

Try This:

• Move Your Body: Even light stretching or walking after work can reset your nervous system.

• Journal: Writing down your emotions helps you process and clarify what you’re feeling.

• Pray or Meditate: Mindfulness practices reduce cortisol and increase resilience.

• Talk to Someone: Whether it’s a friend, peer, or professional, share what’s going on.

• Create Something: Art, music, gardening, even cooking can be outlets for emotional energy.

Avoid common unhealthy coping mechanisms like emotional eating, over-drinking, scrolling endlessly, or lashing out at loved ones. Instead, treat yourself like a patient in need of compassionate, evidence-based care.

Quickfire Balance Hacks Every OT Should Know

Time Block Ruthlessly

Schedule not just patient sessions but also your admin time, breaks, and personal life. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments.

Streamline Documentation

Use templates, voice-to-text tools, and efficient EMRs to minimize repetitive tasks. Complete notes between sessions when possible.

Set and Keep Boundaries

Protect your off-hours. Turn off email notifications. Don’t answer non-urgent messages after work. Communicate boundaries respectfully and clearly.

Build a Support Network

Join OT forums, peer groups, or professional communities where you can share ideas, vent safely, and stay inspired.

Use Your PTO—Guilt-Free

You’ve earned it. Use it. Even short breaks or staycations can provide powerful rest and reset.

Celebrate the Wins

Acknowledge your impact, even in small moments. You are changing lives, one patient at a time.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just a Therapist—You’re a Human Being

Your job is important. Your patients rely on your strength, knowledge, and guidance. But your effectiveness depends on your own sustainability.

Work-life balance isn’t just a feel-good buzzword—it’s a critical tool for thriving as an OT. By fueling your body, processing your stress, and protecting your time, you can stay centered in a demanding profession that needs you at your best.

Protect Your Career: Don’t Overlook Liability Insurance

While you're taking steps to protect your time, energy, and well-being, don’t forget to protect your career too. Occupational therapists work closely with clients in sensitive and sometimes unpredictable situations, making professional liability insurance a smart and necessary safeguard.

Whether you're working in a clinical setting, school, or as an independent contractor, having your own occupational therapist liability insurance ensures you're covered in the event of a claim or legal issue. It offers peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most—helping others heal and thrive.

Ready to protect your practice?
Explore affordable, comprehensive OT liability insurance options designed specifically for therapy professionals. It’s one more way to invest in your long-term success and security.