What is ergonomics?.........

According to Caulton and Dickson (2007, p.93), “ergonomics underpins the ability to constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose”.  When reading this quote I understand ergonomics as fitting the individual to suit the needs required to undertake the activity engaged in.  In relation to my activity of cooking, ergonomics is an important factor as it influences my sense of satisfaction after creating a dish. A tidy environment is essential for me when I am creating in the kitchen.  If I approach a messy kitchen my motivation to explore and try new things decreases and I am less likely to feel that great sense of “achievement”!

When I take myself back to last week when I decided to create a new dish. I got into the car at 4pm after a long day studying and felt like a needed a break, I needed to use my brain on something that wasn’t study related. As I was driving home I decided I was going to create “cat spews” a sweet treat a girl at work had given me the recipe for. Yes I know the name doesn’t do much in terms of advertising but believe me these delicious treats taste a million dollars. As I drove home I gathered in my head the ingredients I needed: white chocolate, coconut, cranberries, corn flakes….Check!! I was looking forward to getting home pulling my sleeves up and getting into it UNTILL……I walked in the door and saw that the kitchen was in a mess!! Grrrr immediately I was put off from engaging in this activity. I thought to myself ( I don’t want to waste all my energy on tidying up before cooking). The physical environment is a huge aspect for me to consider when cooking and this is a component of ergonomics.

References:

Caulton, R. & Dickson, R.  (2007).  What’s going on? Finding an explanation for what we do.  In J. Creek & A. Lawson-Porter (Eds.), Contemporary issues in occupational therapy (pp. 87-114).  Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

 

 

Participation In Occupation 2 - Mindfulness Cooking

The purpose of this post is to share my previous experiences of cooking and what this activity means to me personally as an Occupational therapy student. I will also discuss how the activity of cooking may be used in my future practice in the big wide world as a qualified Occupational Therapist......(Woah scary thought!!).

I have many previous memories of cooking with Mum when I was a young child as well as memories of myself lingering around the kitchen smelling all the delicious food that was being prepared or cooked for the family!  I have always taken interest in the activity of cooking and today I really enjoy experimenting and creating new and exciting dishes, (that’s of course when I can find the time around my study). However, some days I find myself really struggling to find the motivation to cook or create a meal. On the other hand, when I have the energy and am inspired to cook I get a huge sense of satisfaction on what I have created!

I think for me as an Occupational therapy student, cooking is important to accomplish and manage as it is an extremely important activity of daily living (one that I must carry on doing throughout my entire life). Not only does cooking continuously teach me new skills and provide me with enjoyment it also provides me with opportunities to bond with future clients when out in the big OT world!

Mood changes frequently and when I am in the right ‘head space’ to cook it really can make a difference in how the food tastes and looks. I am a lot more mindful with my cooking when I am inspired and enjoying doing it rather than trying to slap something together quickly to get it over and done with!