Think about the last time your child was dysregulated. If they have any kind of sensory processing challenge, which one in six children do, this can be a regular occurrence. Finding the unique strategies that work for them can be difficult, but for many neurodivergent children, what’s known as “heavy work” can provide balance and regulation throughout the day.
Incorporating heavy work into your child’s daily routines, especially at more challenging times like before and after school, or before bedtime, provides your child with the proprioceptive input they need to feel grounded and less overwhelmed by the sensory stimuli around them.
What Is “Heavy Work”?
Heavy work involves activities that engage and exert the muscles and joints, providing what’s known as proprioceptive input. This type of sensory input helps to organize the nervous system, making it a valuable tool for children who struggle with sensory integration.
Heavy work activities might include:
- Pulling a wagon
- Pushing a heavy cart
- Carrying a heavy box
- Climbing on playground equipment
- Wall push-ups
- Animal walks
- Moving chairs or supplies around a classroom
- Carrying groceries
- Yard work
These activities can easily be incorporated in a daily routine. Forming a consistent plan like this is what is known as a “sensory diet.”
How To Incorporate Heavy Work Into Your Child’s Day
In creating a sensory diet for your child, you need to consider the times of day they struggle the most, and what their day-to-day schedule already is. Incorporating heavy work activities during these challenging periods will help mitigate sensory overload and allow for smoother transitions.
If mornings are difficult, begin the day with heavy physical tasks such as carrying out the trash or doing an animal walk to the car. If your child loses focus after lunch, plan a midday routine of wall push-ups or carrying a stack of books between classrooms.
Understanding how your individual child works will help you to plan a schedule that can enhance their ability to engage and succeed throughout the day.
Why Heavy Work Helps
The benefits of heavy work are multifaceted. Here is a look into how these activities can positively impact your child:
- Stress Relief: It helps soothe and calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and regulating mood.
- Increased Body Awareness: For children who struggle with spatial orientation, heavy work helps reinforce a sense of body awareness and positioning in space.
- Enhanced Focus and Attention: Regular proprioceptive input can significantly improve a child’s ability to concentrate and stay engaged in tasks.
- Prevention of Sensory Overload: By maintaining a balanced sensory system, heavy work activities can help prevent sensory overload in unpredictable or overwhelming settings.
- Sleep Improvement: The calming effect of heavy work activities can contribute to a more regulated sleep schedule.
- Overall Well-Being: Heavy work helps children feel more in control of their bodies and emotions, which can boost self-esteem and promote a more positive mood.
If you think incorporating heavy work into your child’s day would help, don’t hesitate to discuss it with their team. Often, teachers and therapists have suggestions that can allow your child opportunities to meet these sensory needs during the day. Our team at West Hills Academy is dedicated to supporting unique learners, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to thrive. Reach out to us here.
Resources:
https://sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com/heavy-work-activities/
https://www.theottoolbox.com/heavy-work-activities/
https://www.arktherapeutic.com/blog/sensory-benefits-of-heavy-work-activities/
https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-create-sensory-diet/
