Abstract
Last weekend, as I was hiking in Moultonborough, New Hampshire – my iPhone camera in hand, seeking inspiration for both my meaning occupation of photography and this From the Editor – I found myself reflecting on how dramatically our understanding of self-care has evolved. What was once dismissed as indulgent has become recognized as vital to our professional longevity and personal wellbeing.
The evidence is clear and compelling: intentional self-care practices aren't just beneficial – they're essential. In my conversations with colleagues and through my own experiences, I've seen how regular self-care practices correlate with not just reduced stress levels, but also with enhanced professional performance and deeper job satisfaction.
But what does meaningful self-care look like in practice? While reviewing recent research, I was struck by how the most effective approaches are often surprisingly straightforward. Regular physical activity (I've found my walks invaluable), maintaining healthy sleep patterns (something I am working on), and mindful eating aren't revolutionary concepts, but their impact is profound.
What resonates particularly with me are the practices that connect us – to nature, to others, and to ourselves. As someone who finds joy on cross-country ski trails, and in the pages of a good book, I've learned that self-care looks different for everyone. Some of my family, friends and colleagues find peace in meditation, yoga or journaling, while others prioritize regular social connections or time outdoors.
The research supports what many of us have learned through experience: whether it's practicing gratitude, setting healthy boundaries around technology use, or knowing when to seek professional support, intentional self-care is fundamental to navigating our rapidly evolving landscape.
As I write this on a crisp morning, watching the sunrise from the Boston University dormitory window, I'm reminded of how fortunate we are to do meaningful work that values continuous growth and adaptation. The challenges we face are real, but so are the opportunities for transformation and renewal.
I encourage you to consider how you might integrate more intentional self-care practices into your daily routine. Be gentle with yourself as you experiment with different approaches. Remember that self-care isn't selfish – it's essential to sustaining the important occupations we all do.
This issue contains papers on topics such as mindfulness, well-being, burnout, decent work, job stress, vocational rehabilitation, factors enhancing return, artificial intelligence and an ergonomic backpack. My interest in backpacks goes back to 1998 when I helped create the American Occupational Therapy Association's National School Backpack Awareness Day. During these 26 years, WORK has published papers on backpacks to advance this body of knowledge. It is with pleasure that I select for this issue's Editor's Choice paper Design and validation of a novel ergonomic backpack authored by Bouve and DiAngelo. As the authors shared, the backpack “…was designed to alleviate problematic loading conditions at the shoulders and lower spine by distributing a portion of the bag weight to the pelvic region”. I know you will enjoy all the papers in this issue of WORK.
With gratitude for another day of possibilities,
Founding Editor,
Occupational therapist & ergonomist
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