If you’ve ever wondered what an Occupational Therapist (OT) actually does…

You’re not alone. And no, despite the name, we don’t just help people find jobs.

OTs help people participate in the activities they need and want to do every day. From studying and working, to looking after ourselves, connecting with others, and enjoying our favourite hobbies, these everyday activities all play an important role in our health and wellbeing.

One of my favourite things about being an OT is that it’s changed the way I think about health. Not just professionally, but personally too.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly

Health is much less about perfection and much more about consistency, I’ve come to learn. Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing that if we can’t do something properly, we may as well not do it at all. I know I’ve fallen into that trap.

This could be going for a brief walk between tasks, remembering your (emotional support) water bottle, or checking in with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Even finally eating that banana that’s been sitting in your bag all day can still be a win… if that’s your thing.

Progress isn’t all or nothing.

Your identity is more than just “student”

During my OT degree, we spent a lot of time talking about developing our professional identity – how we think, what we value, and how we approach the world from an occupational lens.

During my final placement, a supervisor posed a question: “Who is Emma outside of OT?” She then set me a challenge to try a new hobby, or revisit something I hadn’t done in a long time.

Catch up with your friends, play a social sport, bake something (then eat said baking), read a book, or binge an episode of your favourite show without any guilt. Whatever it is, do the things that make you feel like, well, you.

Rest is productive, too

Many people wait until they’re exhausted before they slow down. But rest isn’t something you have to earn, it’s something you need.

Uni has a funny way of making you feel guilty for taking a break. There’s always another lecture to watch, another assignment to start. It’s quite easy to convince yourself you’ll rest once you’ve finished everything. Except, the to-do list never really ends.

Healthy looks different for everyone

Comparison is everywhere, especially at university. Someone will always appear more organised, get better grades, or somehow have time to train for a marathon. Focus on what works for you. The healthiest routine is the one that is realistic enough that you will actually stick with it.

At the end of the day, health isn’t about having it all together. It’s about building small habits that help you keep showing up – for your studies, your relationships, and yourself.

And trust me, future you will thank you for starting now.