“You’re only as strong as your weakest link”.

Whether you’re in a position of sensory dysregulation, neuro-rehab or facing neurodegenerative challenges, the efficiency of the nervous system should be a primary focus. If you consider yourself a fairly healthy individual with no significant concerns, I would argue that the map to nervous system efficiency should still be a priority in order to stay that way.

This particular map is more comparable to that of a large city, where many roads can lead to a shared, central destination. All roads play an important role to achieving efficient traffic flow. If one road is under construction, the traffic will be heavier and place more stress on the other roads. No road can be neglected or the efficient flow of traffic will be impacted and the destination will not be reached as easily.

The roads leading to nervous system efficiency are much the same as overall health and wellness. With the clients I have worked with, clarifying each component and it’s importance has been key to overall progress. Although additional areas are individually important, the following are key for everyone:

• Sleep
• Mental Wellness
• Nutrition and Hydration
• Physical activity
• Engagement in meaningful activity
• Sensory Regulation

Each component listed can be broken down further, but all deserve an individual moment to be acknowledged and assessed for improvement. One of the benefits of occupational therapy is the chance to work through these aspects of wellness and problem solve areas for improvement that can be realistically worked into one’s daily routine. In practice, much of my time is spent on this during sessions in order to promote successful outcomes. With an efficient nervous system, optimal regulation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of function can be achieved.

“If you don’t climb the mountain, you can’t enjoy the view“.

Each day brings new experiences that shape our lives and perspectives. To be human is to experience life through our body and senses, individual and unique to each of us. At times our experiences are limited or negatively impacted by aspects of our body or senses. This. Can. Be. Overcome.

Through a neurological lens with an occupational therapy background, I aim to enlighten and empower as many individuals as possible to be able to experience each climb in life and enjoy the process. Focused on those with sensory challenges, neurodegenerative diagnoses, and mTBI (concussion), the nervous system continues to amaze me with its ability to regenerate and adapt. After 10 years of working as an occupational therapist, my drive to educate and empower through a neurological framework has only strengthened by the positive outcomes I have been fortunate to witness. Personally, I have experienced the enrichment that occupational therapy has provided to my son with autism. Throughout the lifespan, neurological challenges can be overcome to enjoy what life has to offer.

When I am not working in the clinic, I enjoy being with my husband, two young boys, and golden retriever. I love spending time outdoors and running, snowboarding, any water activity with my kids, and traveling to the mountains. I aim to embrace the climb and enjoy the views as much as possible.

Anne Mahnke, OTR/L