Blog Post #9

During my life I think there have been times I have been in occupational balance but also many times in which I have been out of occupational balance. Reflecting back, I think that my senior year of my undergraduate degree I had great occupational balance. There are a few reasons this time in my life stands out to me, but I think the main reason was the many different activities I was involved in. I was still in school although my classes at this point were slightly more relaxed, and I was in less credit hours allowing me freedom and flexibility. Along with my schoolwork I had a job and was on the exec board of my sorority which brought a lot of value into my life. Finally, I enjoyed going to the gym and had a good friend group at the time. All of these factors contributed to my occupational balance during this time in my life. Really, I was able to be involved in so many things that made me happy because none of my activities were too time consuming or all encompassing. Since starting graduate school, I find that I am involved in less than I used to be and must put more time towards my studies. Going into school I had anticipated these shifts in my occupations, but it still does feel unbalanced. In order to try and combat some of the inherent unbalance that comes with bing in a master's program I have tried to stick with a version of my old schedule. Moving my body and doing some form of exercise most days is important to me and improves my energy level and mental health. This was a valuable occupation that I did not want to lose so I have made it a priority within my new lifestyle. Instead of getting to do exercise at the same time every day I now fit it in where I can. While this is a change I am still participating in my occupation and therefore contributing to my occupational balance.

Looking at how my new occupation began this semester fits into the concept of occupational balance, I notice that it was an unexpected occupation that I might not have initially thought I needed, yet as I have continued to participate in pottery it now fits into my activities and holds value to me. I think this is an important to try new things throughout life and through my new occupation I think I have gained a bit more occupational balance than if I had not tried something new. If someone is experiencing occupational balance adding a new occupation could bring new value and balance into their life my hopefully contributing to a more even distribution of tasks.