How do you prioritize self-care?
Dentists share their tips for leading healthy lifestyles
Dentists have a lot on their plate. Whether it’s treating patients, tending to familial obligations or a combination of the two, most would agree that oftentimes personal wellness tumbles to the bottom of the priority list. That’s why the New Dentist News talked with several dentists about the ways in which they make time for themselves and why it’s important to do so.
Self-care can come in many forms, from physical exercise to mindful meditation, but one thing is certain: Taking time to restore the body and mind is instrumental in reducing stress and burnout, increasing productivity and ultimately helping to become a healthier version of yourself.
Here are six new dentists’ responses to the question of how they prioritize self-care.
Alex Barrera, D.D.S., Houston
"I've learned that I can only show up as my best self by balancing all the things that are important to me and by taking time for rest. For me, self-care means moving my body and maintaining my physical well-being through yoga, weight-training and mobility exercises."
Emily Hobart, D.D.S., Anacortes, Washington
“I prioritize self-care by scheduling it. In my busy life working full time and taking care of two little girls under the age of 3, if it's not on my Google calendar, it doesn't happen. If I want to get a pedicure, I block the time off a month in advance. It takes away the stress of trying to cram in self-care when it's already long overdue and you're overwhelmed.”
Stephanie Hoyos, D.D.S., Fairfax, Virginia
"I was a mother of an 8-month-old baby girl when my start-up office opened its doors, and self-care was on the bottom of my list. I never felt worse in my life. I have come to learn that self-care is not optional if I want to live the life the way I want. Little things — like getting a haircut, going to sleep earlier and taking the night to fully rest — have been instrumental in the healing that I'm still going through. As of recently, I am jogging very small distances at night, and that has exponentially made me feel better."
Annie Koehne, D.M.D., Bloomington, Illinois
“As a dental student, most of my time was spent studying or napping, so one of the biggest adjustments to post-grad life was figuring out what to do with my newfound free time. I have a box of failed hobbies in my closet, but amongst the half-finished crocheted scarves, I found that jigsaw puzzles are a mindless hobby that help me unwind after work. Completing a puzzle allows me to focus on something other than dentistry so I can rest my brain once I leave the office. Puzzles are a small addition into my self-care routine that have helped me disconnect each day when I get home.”
Angela Munchalfen, D.M.D., Lisle, Illinois
“I prioritize self-care by practicing yoga, working out and walking my dog after a long day at the office. Yoga helps me center myself and reduce stress, while workouts keep me physically strong and energized. Walking my dog adds an element of mindfulness and connection to nature, allowing me to unwind and enjoy daily movement. Together, these activities support both my mental and physical well-being, which allows me to provide the best care for my patients.”
Alayna Schoblaske, D.M.D., Medford, Oregon
“I prioritize self-care in so many ways, but some of my favorites are my daily, weekly and monthly rituals. Self-care means tending to my most important relationships, so I make sure to spend some time every day catching up with my husband and cuddling our cat, Simon. Every week, I go on a walk with a friend and take a yoga class to nourish my body. And every month, I meet with my therapist to better understand my brain.”
