title: Balancing the boat: enabling an ocean of possibilities.
abstract: Working in partnership, occupational therapists help clients to "balance their boat" and engage in meaningful occupations as clients journey through life. Life balance requires prioritization between time spent at work and other life experiences. Leisure time provides opportunities to rest, re-energize and enjoy activities of one's choosing, and is vitally important to an individual's physical and mental health. As occupational therapists, we need to appreciate how valuable and meaningful these activities are. In particular, it is essential that we optimize balance between the "must do" activities that are often prioritized in our interventions, with the "would like to do" leisure activities that promote well-being and social engagement. Asking our clients about the leisure activities in which they would most like to participate promotes choice and a sense of control. Focusing on modifiable personal and environmental factors enables occupational therapists to address barriers to participation in leisure activities. Occupational therapists have the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, organizations and communities to advocate for policy and practice changes that will optimize participation for individuals with functional challenges.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Davis House, 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler room D-26, Montreal, Quebec H3G-1Y5. annette.majnemer@mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Majnemer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*