My doctoral research looked at the high stress in OT programs, lack of coping strategies and lack of mental health service utilization during this time. Mental illness and poor habits are becoming increasingly prevalent in OT programs, and in all college programs. Through my personal experiences as a student, practitioner and educator, I would like to assist aspiring OT practitioners in improving their mental and physical health through a simple, daily planner that can be used across OT programs and practice settings for unity within our amazing profession. 

Mindfulness, personal development and self-care have always been important for students and practitioners to succeed in their daily roles and with their given responsibilities, both professionally and personally. The Center for Disease Control(CDC) reported that during April-June of 2020, young adults and essential workers in the United States had disproportionally adverse mental health outcomes, including an increase in anxiety, depression, trauma/stressor-related disorders, an increase in substance abuse and an elevated level of suicidal ideation(as compared to the same period in 2019). Therefore, at this time it is even more critical for these groups to continue to maintain and promote their own mental and physical health. Through the use of personal development and mindfulness strategies, students and practitioners can actively assure that they stay intentional and healthy, utilizing strategies that they can also carryover and use with their own clients in their fieldwork and practice experiences.