Motivation

Chronic pain can make it difficult for individuals to feel motivated to complete their daily activities. Daily activities like getting dressed or making a meal can take longer to complete, can require more energy, and can seem like too much while also navigating chronic pain symptoms. Lost motivation can lead to occupational deprivation where people are not completing the daily activities they want and need to do. However, it is important that they engage in meaningful activities for both their physical and mental health. 

Habits and Routines

Developing healthy habits and a daily routine you can stick to is important. Making a consistent schedule takes time and planning but is beneficial when working to develop new habits and routines. Writing this schedule down on paper or in a planner can help you stick to it and hold yourself accountable. Some find it satisfying to check something off their to-do list as well!

 

Adaptive equipment is considered a tool that can be used to help individuals complete their normal daily activities more independently (Mendonca et al., 2021). For example, some individuals might benefit from a shower chair, raised toilet seat, or swivel utensil in order to engage in things like bathing, toileting, and feeding on their own.

 

Energy conservation techniques are strategies individuals can implement in order to save or maintain their energy as well as reduce fatigue (Mendonca et al., 2021). Some individuals might benefit from taking breaks, pacing themselves, and planning ahead in order to complete their daily activities independently.

 

Below, there are examples of some daily activities, or occupations, including activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that are important to perform frequently (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). Listed along with these activities are appropriate options for adaptive equipment and energy conservation techniques individuals can use that are recommended by Mendonca et al. (2021).

Activities and Abilities

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Bathing

  • Shower Chair
  • Detachable Shower Head
  • Walk-in Shower vs Tub Shower
  • Grab Bars
  • Nonslip Mat
  • Pump vs Squeeze Soap Dispensers
  • Long-Handled Scrub Brush
  • Tray Table
  • Shower Caddy
  • Soap on a Rope
  • Pace Activity
  • Prepare All Items Beforehand
  • Use Lukewarm Water

Personal Hygiene

  • Sitting vs Standing
  • Pace Activity
  • Take Breaks to Rest
  • Plan Ahead
  • Built-Up Handles
  • Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush
  • Wall-Mounted Hair Dryers
  • Leave Supplies (toothbrush, comb, makeup, etc.) Within Reach

Toileting

  • Raised Toilet Seat
  • Grab Bars
  • Commode
  • Bidet Attachment
  • Toilet Tongs
  • Set Bathroom Routine
  • Stool or Squatty Potty
  • Floor Grip Tape

Dressing

  • Closet vs Dressers
  • Thin vs Thick Materials
  • Loose vs Tight Clothing
  • Dressing Stick
  • Reacher
  • Velcro vs Buttons vs Zippers
  • Buttonhooks
  • Long-Handled Shoe Horn
  • Adaptive Techniques
  • Pace Activity
  • Gather All Clothing Items at Once

Feeding

  • Light vs Weighted Utensils
  • Built-Up Handles
  • Swivel Utensils
  • Rocker Knives
  • Long Straws
  • Plate Guards
  • Under Plate Grip
  • Gather All Items at Once
  • Pace Activity
  • Take Breaks to Rest

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Caring for Others/Pets

  • Set Regular Routine
  • Create Healthy Habits
  • Consider Proper Body Mechanics
  • Ask for Help when Needed

Driving

  • Position Seat for Comfort
  • Adjust Headrest for Support
  • Rest Hands Lower on Wheel
  • Plan Ahead
  • Take Breaks to Rest
  • Ask Someone Else to Drive
  • Park Near House, Stores, and Buildings

Home Management

  • Pace Activity
  • Create Weekly Schedule for Cleaning
  • Take Breaks to Rest
  • Long-Handled Duster
  • Ask for Help

Meal Preparation

  • Sitting vs Standing
  • Gather All Items at Once 
  • Pace Activity
  • Take Breaks to Rest
  • Cut and Wash Food Items Beforehand
  • Meal Prep in Bulk and Freeze
  • Long-Handled Utensils

Shopping

  • Plan Ahead for Grocery Store Visits
  • Go Shopping at Slower Times
  • Create Weekly Shopping List
  • Keep Lists Short
  • Shop Consistently
  • Use Basket, Cart, or Scooter in Store
  • Bring a Reacher
  • Consider Time Needed for Shopping Trip
  • Bring Someone With to Help
  • Consider Order Ahead Options

Environment

It is important for clients to set up their environment in a way that is beneficial for them and promotes independence, safety, and engagement in meaningful activities. Many daily activities are completed in the comfort of clients' homes in an environment they are comfortable with. This allows them to set up their environment how they specifically like it and find it most beneficial for them. Ensuring that you like how your environment is set up is very important for success and productivity as well as satisfaction of daily activities. Many of the suggestions above can be incorporated into one's daily activities to increase their performance and self-efficacy.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001  

Mendonca, R. J., Santalucia, S., Cook, T., & Maher, C. (2021). Restoring activities of daily living. In D. P. Dirette & S. A. Gutman (Eds.), Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (8th ed., pp. 567-602). Wolters Kluwer.

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