Everyone on an airplane has been told by the flight attendant to always secure their oxygen mask before assisting others. So why do we not heed this advice in our daily lives? As regulated healthcare professionals, we care for others all day at work but often put our health and wellness in the backseat. One of my favourite quotes is, “If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness” (source unknown).
As healthcare professionals, our bodies take a beating every day. Taking care of your physical body is, of course, one of the most important methods of self-care. See a physiotherapist, RMT, chiropractor, or osteopath. Find the right team of professionals to help keep you at your best. Participating in regular physical activity might not seem like self-care to some. However, there are fewer things (if anything) more beneficial to your body than daily movement. Start small, and from there, set a realistic and sustainable goal. We all know our non-flossing client is not going to start flossing twice a day, seven days a week, so have the same patience with yourself that you have with your clients. Can you add a 10-minute walk twice a week after dinner? If you are invested in a new exercise routine, I highly recommend working with a certified personal trainer to help you achieve your goals.
Fueling your body is another important aspect of self-care. I know getting a full lunch break is a dream for most of us. However, your body will not perform optimally on coffee and goldfish crackers. Pack easy, quick, nutritious snacks such as unsalted mixed nuts, hard-boiled eggs, pre-cut fruits and vegetables, or plain Greek yogurt. Beware of protein bars and powders, as these are typically marketed as “health foods”; however, they often contain added sugars, oils, emulsifiers, and preservatives. Protein powders and bars can be great in a pinch; however, I advise limiting your intake of them to a few times a week. Healthy lunches would be the next step. Take time and prepare them all at once to save you time during the week. Make extra portions at dinner to be brought as lunches or make even more portions and individually freeze them for easy grab-and-go meals.
What about your mind now that you have your body physically fulfilled and properly fuelled? Taking time for your mental health is a personal journey and can range from various activities. I highly encourage you to schedule time for you, just you, to do whatever you need to do to clear your head from the day or week of chaos. I have one rule for this, though: no screen. Unplug and go for a walk, read a book, do a puzzle, stretch, or journal the old-fashioned way with a pen and paper. Make sure your family, friends, or roommates know you are off limits for the next 10, 15, or 30 minutes and do your thing! Parents, I hear you. This can be difficult, but kids go to bed, shower, and have their activities, and the dirty dishes, laundry, and vacuum will all still be there after you take 10 minutes to yourself while your kids are sleeping or occupied. A nice little surprise is that chores will feel much less like chores after you take the time to decompress from the day.
We are preventative specialists. We do all we can to ensure our clients’ optimal oral and overall health so they can avoid procedures such as restorations and extractions. I encourage you to take the time you need to restore your physical and mental health and remove yourself from negative situations. Take care of yourself so you can continue to take care of others.
About the Author
Liisa started her dental hygiene career by working for a local orthodontist. Throughout her career, Liisa expanded her skills by working as a temp in general practice, in an oral surgery office, as an educator, and even owning her own clinic. She is a core presenter, a Quality Assurance coach with RDHU, and a CDHO peer mentor. Outside the operatory, she is a Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates instructor, and healthy eating and weight loss coach. Although Liisa loves to travel, she is a true homebody who enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and her dog.
