Sunny Day Therapy's Blog- Helping Children & Caregivers Shine, Do, and Thrive

The crisp air of fall welcomes lifestyle redesign – the set up of spaces, schedules, and activities for efficiency. The beauty of fall is a fresh start- a new commitment to a season of activities designed to nourish, educate, and relax us.  Finding just the right balance involves intention. 

Need a recipe for a routine? Examples of ways to promote occupational balance? Tools to brainstorm about how to set up your life with intention? Tricks to get things done? Our problem solving during occupational therapy is not just a shot in the dark, trying this or that; it’s evidence-based, theory driven, and informed by experience. Reconnecting to your body is what will help put your mind & identity back “online”. We have all of the tools & short cuts to help (apps, visual supports, worksheets, etc.) but we also have positive ways to help you understand and empower your body systems.  When you are in your body and mind’s natural “flow”, you can live out your story with the very best version of yourself. 

• Lifestyle Redesign Theory was created by University of Southern California. The author of this article, Dr. Kimberly Day, has taken 6 courses in Lifestyle Redesign & 6 courses in Home Modification from USC earning an Executive Certificate in Home Modification. USC offers Lifestyle Redesign in its clinics in California; Dr. Day integrates principles and theory of lifestyle management into her practice with clients of all ages… meeting them where they are to promote an environment that nourishes the senses and enhances success.
• Occupational therapy is distinct in that it integrates top down approaches (listening to the client, seeing the whole picture, body work, consider context, etc.) and bottom up approaches (understanding distinct values of body system elements like the senses and distinct skills). Its theories center on helping the client find and create meaning. Research suggests that the power of the mind in feeling investment improves client outcomes. Client feel activated; this client activation improves positive choices and goal attainment. For example, consider the power of the placebo effect, the self-fulfilling prophecy, and semantic prosody research.
• Sunny Day Therapy uses the power of connection to promote healing – connection to relationships and connections to resources. Through these connections, clients are empowered and confident to make and sustain change. We help you have short-cuts and tools to get through hard times but that is not our goal here – to just give you a quick fix or boost of dopamine from something novel. Our goal is true systems change through knowledge of body signs, patterns, routines, and environmental strategies to set up the person, environment, and occupation (activity of meaning) for success.
• We offer not only occupational therapy but CEU design and coaching/mentorship services to help you have the tools to get where you need to go. Occupational therapy addresses hindrances to daily life. Coaching addresses goal achievement above and beyond problem solving hindrances to help you achieve lofty goals. (We are ready to meet you where you are and have been there, too!)
• So what are you cooking up this fall? From elite executive function coaching to holding you accountable to managing your hindrances, we want to help & have the background to help you get there.
• Sneak peek of tomorrow’s OT tip: Establish routines. Embed activities. Embrace your natural rhythm. Then, you won’t have to think so hard & are more free to stop and smell the roses.
• Email kim@beewellot.com to begin your occupational therapy, coaching, or mentorship journey.