Set firm boundaries

• Clearly define your work hours and physically and mentally detach from work after hours to allow for recovery.

Consider how you replenish your mind and body

• Treat yourself with the same compassion you show others. Spend time outside of work participating in self-care and healthy activities.

Access and utilize support systems

• Connect with mentors, support groups, and loved ones to share experiences. Talking though feelings and emotions can often alleviate the emotional challenges that come with compassion fatigue. 

Engage in mindfulness and reflective practice

• Stay present, centered, and aware of your own needs through journaling, deep breathing exerecises, or meditation. 

Take time off

• Utilize breaks and vacations to fully step away from workplace demand and stressos.

Alpert, M. (n.d). 3 tips to avoid occupational therapy burnout. Core Medical Group. https://www.coremedicalgroup.com/blog/avoid-occupational-therapy-burnout

Hamad, R., Assaf, M., Cipolla, H., Quirin, C., Voss, A., Walker, S., Wheeler, A., and Zhang, S. (2023). Burnout in OT students & coping mechanisms to manage stress. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(3). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO138

Kack, O. and Yunker, M. (2020). A holistic and proactive approach for preparing occupational therapy practitioners to combat compassion fatigue. UND Scholarly Commons. https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/449/

Moore-Markey, L. (2025). Practicing what we preach: finding occupational balance to prevent burnout in OT school. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/publications/student-articles/school-tips/practicing-what-we-preach-finding-occupational-balance-to-prevent-burnout-in-ot-school

Zeman, E. and Harvison, N. (2017). Burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue in occupational therapy practice and education: a call for mindful, self-care protocols. National Academy of Medicine. https://nam.edu/perspectives/burnout-stress-and-compassion-fatigue-in-occupational-therapy-practice-and-education-a-call-for-mindful-self-care-protocols/