Self-Care for Dentists

Some days, the pace feels slow and easy, and you may think to yourself—hey, I’ve got this! On other days, it might feel like you can’t keep up no matter what you do. Back-to-back patients, challenging dental treatments, and maybe a lot going on at home can make it challenging to find balance. 

Despite dentistry’s challenges, you love what you do. You love providing exceptional patient care that helps improve oral health. So on the tough days, how can you hit the reset button, so to speak? Here are some ways to slow down, relax, and regain control of your day.

How To Slow Down and Take Control of Your Day

When you feel your day is getting out of control or you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, the last thing you might want to do is step back for a moment to indulge in some self-care. But the fact is that these are precisely the days when some self-care can make the biggest difference. 

The approach doesn’t need to be overly time-consuming, either. We’re not suggesting you cancel patients or close up shop to head across town for a massage (as tempting as that may sound). Sometimes even the briefest of self-care indulgences can be enough to help you re-ground yourself. 

Here are 4 tips on how to tackle those hectic days:

1. Deep-Breathing Exercises 

Between patients, or a handful of times throughout the day, head to a quiet place in your dental practice and take a few minutes to yourself. This could be relaxing in your office chair or leaning against a wall in one of your quieter spaces.

Close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose, counting to four. Hold your breath for a moment, then exhale through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes to help calm your mind and reduce tension.

2. Stretching Breaks

Take a brief stretching break to relieve physical tension. Stand up, reach for the ceiling, hold for a few seconds, and gently bend forward, trying to touch your toes. Rotate your shoulders and neck gently to loosen any stiffness. 

These simple movements can rejuvenate your body by improving circulation and flexibility, which is a must for managing stress during long shifts. Plus, stretching is especially important for dental professionals who tend to be hunched over much of the day. It helps reduce your risk of injury, increases blood flow to the muscles, and enables your muscles to be more effective.

3. A Cup of Tea

Stepping away for a quick tea break can be a soothing ritual. Choose an herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint, which are known for their calming properties. Sip slowly and savor the warmth and aroma. 

This micro self-care moment hydrates and provides a peaceful respite from the day’s demands. And tea is a much better option than coffee, soda, or energy drinks, as it promotes a sense of calmness instead of causing the jitters.

4. Endorphin-Boosting Walks

Lastly, if possible, take a brisk five-minute walk outside your clinic. A change of scenery and a bit of fresh air can significantly clear your mind and boost your mood. This simple act can be a powerful tool in resetting your energy and maintaining a balanced perspective throughout the day. And while five minutes can help you regain your balance, if you have time for more, then by all means, go for it.

How To Prioritize Those Micro Self-Care Moments

We get it. Sometimes it feels like there isn’t enough time to grab even five minutes to yourself. But when you feel your control slipping away is exactly when you need to do it. These little moments also allow you to reflect on how you can restructure your schedule so that it’s easier to manage.

Perhaps you are overscheduling, your processes are inefficient, or you need to prioritize some time to refresh and recharge. Remember, being crazy busy is not a means to an end—quite the opposite—it may be the end to the means. Here are some things you can do at the start of each day to make sure you have a few minutes for yourself.

• Set specific “self-care slots” in your daily schedule.
• Use appointment reminders on your phone to take brief pauses.
• Delegate small tasks to team members to free up moments.
• Begin the day with a five-minute meditation or quiet reflection.
• Establish a no-interruption zone for your quickest self-care practices.

EndoConnect: Your Partner To Provide a Better Patient Experience

Just as you might find it challenging to slow down and grab a moment for yourself, the same can be true for your patients. When they need dental treatment that you don’t offer in-house, such as a root canal, this means more time is spent on their part heading across town to a different provider.

You can change that patient experience for the better by partnering with EndoConnect. We provide endodontic care right in your office. This means your patients get the benefit of receiving specialized treatment in their established dental home, and you get the benefit of an additional revenue stream. Even better, you provide a better patient experience, making you feel good and helping your patients achieve balance.

Ready to learn more? Become a partner today.