How You Can Have the Most Relaxing Day at Home

As a busy dental professional, you have likely experienced periods of high tension that may have felt overwhelming or unmanageable. According to the WHO, burnout results mainly from chronic and unmanaged workplace stress. 

Dental professionals can become chronically stressed for any number of reasons, including isolated work environments and immense pressure to “get it right” for every patient. For many, self-care can help ease some stress and prevent burnout.

Despite what you may have heard, you don’t always need weeks at a time to successfully recharge. Discover how you can start on the path to better self-care in just 24 hours.

Before you take your self-care day at home, make sure to plan ahead by delegating urgent tasks at work and unplugging from your phone and laptop. With the right planning, you can set boundaries and promote a better work-life balance. Once you’ve done that, here are some tips to help you make the most of your relaxing day at home.

Start with quality sleep.

Sleep promotes both mental and physical health. Proper rest gives your circulatory system a break, helps your body better handle insulin, and allows your immune system to build its defenses. Doing so can help you fight off both short-term illnesses like the common cold and chronic health issues like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

A few simple bedroom adjustments may help you, too, if you find it challenging to get a good night’s rest. In addition to choosing a comfortable mattress and pillow, try darkening the room and lowering the temperature to increase melatonin production and induce sleep.

Practicing self-care also means finding ways to block out or at least reduce outside noise, especially if you live in a busy Dallas neighborhood. When possible, avoid using electronic devices right before bed, as the blue light can interrupt melatonin production.

Enjoy a healthy breakfast.

A healthy breakfast will set you up for a great self-care day at home. It can assist by boosting your energy and getting your metabolism moving. 

Oatmeal is a great fiber- and mineral-rich option. You can also prepare it in many different ways, including on the stovetop or baked into a breakfast bar with nuts and fruit. Smoothies (and smoothie bowls) with lots of fruits and veggies are also healthy and energizing, as are eggs and avocado toast.

On a self-care day, make sure to take the time to slow down and enjoy your breakfast. Mindful eating helps satiety, aids digestion, and reduces stress throughout the day.

Get in a good workout.

Even without a home gym, there are numerous workout routines you can do. Pushups, burpees, planks, lunges, and squats are excellent bodyweight movements that require no equipment. If you have a sturdy stool or ledge, try step-ups and tricep dips. 

If you have dumbbells, try doing bicep curls or tricep extensions or adding weight to your squats and lunges. Running and walking are also equipment-free options for cardio workouts, and jumping rope is another great way to increase your heart rate.

Remember that prioritizing self-care through exercise releases endorphins (also known as “feel good” neurotransmitters) to boost your mood while improving the function of your cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems. It’s also a great stress reliever, as movement helps lower stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Indulge in relaxing activities.

To relax during your self-care day, consider reading a book you’ve been interested in or listening to a podcast while lounging on your couch. You can also forgo the noise and spend some time practicing mindfulness or meditation, which can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity and calm your mind and body.

You may also want to engage in a hobby or creative activity that you haven’t had much time to enjoy lately. You can choose anything from painting or gardening to woodworking, drawing, or even video games. Go with whatever puts you in a good mood.

Pamper yourself.

At-home spa treatments are a perfect way to end your self-care day. You may get enjoyment out of a relaxing bath with soothing salts and oils or create your own facials from a few healthy ingredients. You can even pamper your nails and feet with a foot scrub or mask and a warm massaging foot bath.

While you may not be used to pampering yourself, remember that you deserve to take care of your health and well-being. Prioritizing self-care helps you manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Self-care for dental professionals can come in many different forms.

Planning a self-care day at home doesn’t take much. A good night’s sleep, a fortifying breakfast, a quick workout, and a little relaxation and pampering are all you need to rest, recharge, and promote a healthy work-life balance. 

As a busy dental professional, practicing self-care also means seeking out helpful solutions when you need them. At EndoConnect, we can assist you in caring for your patients by providing treatment in-house, ending the need for endodontist referrals. Contact us today to talk about becoming an EndoConnect partner and learn about the difference the right partnership can make.