As an occupational therapy practitioner (OTP), managing stress and burnout can be challenging on its own for many reasons. When you take on the additional role of being a fieldwork educator or capstone mentor, there are significant responsibilities you add that can increase the stress you already have. You may experience stress, such as difficulties with work-life balance or traumatic events, so recognizing the signs of stress and burnout early can improve your quality of life to support yourself and those you care about (AOTA, n.d.)

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has created a checklist and guide to identify early signs of stress and burnout, as well as resources to remain inspired during stressful times. Learning to cope with stress healthily will help you become more resilient (CDC, 2024). Some strategies include recognizing the signs, reversing your symptoms by seeking support, and demonstrating resilience by taking care of your physical and emotional well-being (Smith & Reid, 2024). Below are some additional strategies to reduce stress and burnout:

Managing stress and/or burnout:

• Find social supports – people who can listen and be attentive
• Re-evaluate priorities – reflect on your values, purpose, and balance to set boundaries
• Establish a routine – this includes establishing good sleep hygiene
• Take care of your body – fuel your body with good food/nutrition and movement
• Set aside time to unwind – take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, take breaks, yoga
• Create a stress management plan – a list of strategies to utilize when you are stressed, such as warning signs to monitor, what keeps you healthy, triggers of stress, and strategies that can help

(Cattle, n.d.; Smith & Reid, 2024)

Stress Management for fieldwork educators and capstone mentors:

• Set boundaries and expectations through good communication strategies
• Take mindful breaks – it’s okay to take breaks from your student
• Ask for help – reach out to mentors, supervisors, other OTPs with students, and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator from the student’s school

(Del Pozo & Herman, 2020; Zuba & Hahn, n.d.)

Overall, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Utilizing online resources, such as those provided by AOTA, or mentors, peers, and other professionals can help you with the management of stress and burnout symptoms. You deserve to focus on and prioritize your well-being and quality of life, just as you do for your clients.

Written by Gianna Martello, OTS

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.). AOTA practitioner well-being decision guide to addressing anxiety and acute stress. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.aota.org/career/career-center/wellness-for-life-and-career/manage-stress-avoid-burnout-and-stay-inspired 

Cattle, G. (n.d.). Stress-management strategies from occupational therapy. CERIC. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://ceric.ca/2022/10/stress-management-strategies-from-occupational-therapy/ 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 21). Coping with stress. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/cope-with-stress/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fmentalhealth%2Fstress-coping%2Fcope-with-stress%2Findex.html#print 

Del Pozo, E. & Herman, A. (2020). Strategies for managing fieldwork burnout: Fostering more self-awareness, setting clearer objectives, and more. OT Practice, 25(12), 24-26. https://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2020/managing-fieldwork-burnout 

Smith, M. & Reid, S. (2024, August 22). Burnout: Symptoms, treatment, and tips on how to deal. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery 

Zuba, J. & Hahn, B. (n.d.). Fieldwork educators: Tips to optimize your well-being while supporting a student. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/practice/wellness-to-for-life-and-career/fw-educators-wellness-tipsFieldwork Educators:.pdf

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