(800) 560-6066It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a busy, demanding environment. Regardless of how much you love dentistry, the stress of daily activities can have a detrimental effect on your overall health and well-being. Here are a few burnout-busting tips to help you manage stress at your dental practice.
Slow down
When you’re stressed about all the work you need to get done, your initial reaction might be to move faster and try to do more. But while this might seem like the best way to get caught up, rushing can lead to mistakes. Instead, take a deep breath and try to pinpoint what is making you fall behind schedule.
Ask for help
If you hear about new software or a medical device that might help make your practice more efficient, see if you can try it out. Lunch and learns can be fun, and they’re a great way to de-stress during the day while learning something new.
Keep learning
There’s no end to what we need to learn as dental practitioners, so follow your natural curiosity and explore new things. Find out what excites you most about dentistry by reading journal articles and blogs, listening to podcasts, or watching videos. Attend dental conferences, seminars and webinars that feed your dental brain with high-quality learning.
Hydrate your body
Chugging copious amounts of coffee throughout the day will likely give you short bursts of energy, but caffeine acts as a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. Your body needs water, so make sure you drink enough to stay hydrated at all times.
Fuel your body
It’s common for busy dental professionals to miss regular meals or eat sugary snacks to stave off hunger. But good nutrition is essential if you want to avoid getting hangry. Pack your favorite healthy snacks and bring them to work to help you get through the day.
Take time for yourself
Make time for family, friends, hobbies, travel and relaxation. Elevate your day by adding some positivity to your life. This will do wonders for your personal fulfillment.
Spend time outdoors
Rejuvenate yourself with a walk in the great outdoors or take your lunch outside. Fresh air offers many benefits for stress management, including lower blood pressure and heart rate, relieved muscle tension, and reduction of stress hormone production.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress and burnout. It increases the release of endorphins, which improves your mood and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moving your body can also help you lose weight and sleep better.
A little stress is a part of life. But if you keep these tips in mind, it doesn’t need to impact your long-term health and wellness.
