How Work and Routine Shapes Our Mind

Insights from Dr. Edgelow’s Work and Mental Health Lab

At Queen’s University, the Work and Mental Health Lab, led by Dr. Megan Edgelow [B.Sc.(OT), M.Sc.(RHBS), Ed.D., OT Reg. (Ont.)], is tackling one of today’s most pressing questions: how does our work environment affect our mental health?

Based in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Dr. Edgelow’s team is investigating the real-world impact of job design, workplace culture, and organizational structures on employee well-being and recovery. Their research spans major projects examining the mental health of university educators, public safety personnel, and more. By blending rigorous research with practical application, the lab’s occupational therapy approach provides valuable insights to employers, workers, and policymakers.

Their ultimate goal? To help redefine what it means to create healthy, sustainable workplaces where mental health is prioritized as much as productivity.

But Dr. Edgelow’s work doesn’t stop at the workplace. In her thought-provoking article on the power of routine, she reminds us that sometimes the simplest tools—like daily structure—can have the biggest impact on our mental health. Particularly during the uncertainty of the pandemic, routines once seen as “boring” proved to be powerful anchors for well-being.

Her research highlights how consistent routines can boost cognitive function, enhance creativity, and support daily stability. For students, this can be as simple as maintaining regular wake-up times, setting up study schedules, or incorporating consistent exercise. Such habits not only improve focus and reduce stress but also create space for hobbies, social connections, and meaningful participation in daily life. In short, routines help us stay grounded, energized, and fulfilled.

Project Happiness is thrilled to share Dr. Edgelow’s research and extends heartfelt thanks for allowing us to highlight the meaningful work happening at the Work and Mental Health Lab. 

Their findings remind us that fostering mental health doesn’t have to be complicated—it can start with something as simple as a thoughtful daily routine.

Learn more about the lab and Dr. Edgelow’s work:

• Queen’s University Work and Mental Health Lab

• The Conversation: What You Do Every Day Matters: The Power of Routines

  
  

By: Dr. Megan Edgelow & Laura Merrin