Are you balancing your life or is stress taking its toll? Take a look at these warning signs of someone who is out of balance:
- Vague sense of unease or being unsettled
- Unable to sleep properly
- Can’t shake a cold, or get several illnesses in a row
- Shortened temper
- Forgetful
- Less energy
- Desire to overeat
These symptoms make take up to several months to appear, but they are gentle hints that you need to stop and take care of yourself. Your dental practice may be affected if you don’t have the energy you need to be at your best.
Meditate your way to a more balanced life
One easy way to regain control of a stress-filled life is to meditate or do visualization exercises each day. Simply finding a quiet room and unplugging for a few minutes can make a big difference. You can sign up for local meditation classes in your community, or simply take a few minutes each day to refresh, recharge and renew on your own. Benefits can be realized in just a few minutes a day.
Here are some things to try:
- Find a quiet room with no distractions
- Turn off your mobile phone
- Put on some relaxing music
- Clear your mind
- Reflect on how lucky you are to be working in such a great profession
- Think about a positive patient interaction you had that day
Other ways to reduce stress include cutting down on caffeine consumption, eating a healthier diet and getting regular exercise.
The above content is excerpted from Episode #14: Revive, Refresh, Renew — Creating Balance for the Dental Professional, an audio presentation created by the ADA and featuring Dr. Uche Odiatu, BA, DMD, a practicing dentist and part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto. He is also a lifelong athlete, a certified trainer and best-selling author. Listen to the complete recording below.
If you, or someone you know, is battling stress, the ADA is here to help. The ADA's Dentist Health and Wellness Program, along with state dentist well-being programs, are composed of people who are concerned about the health and well-being of their peers. The ADA Health and Wellness Program will connect you with your state dentist well-being program director.
You can also contact your state dentist well-being director directly. Members can download the ADA State Well Being Program Directory to find their contact information. Your call or email will be strictly confidential.
The ADA's Health and Wellness Program is here to help. Please contact us at dentalpractice@ada.org.