Consultants have made the case that the average dentist should have 1,500 active patients to secure the highest billings. That comes out to just under six patients a day.
But most dentists are seeing many more patients than that and overworking themselves with large loads. If you’re one of those dentists, then it’s time for a break. Check out this post to learn some of the best ways to relax.
1. Take a Vacation
Visiting a relaxing place like Myrtle Beach is a great way to get a break from the pressures of the office and have a little fun. Try selecting a family-friendly location and use this opportunity to relax with your children.
Many families also like to go camping and spend time fishing and enjoying nature together. Just make sure if you promise your kids a camping trip, that you follow through. Many busy dentists push off those kinds of trips for years and it becomes a sore spot rather than a source of excitement for the family.
2. Take a Hike at Your Favorite Nature Preserve
Hiking is a great way to quiet the thoughts in your mind. Visiting a nature preserve is the kind of thing you can do for an hour once a week to reconnect with the world around you.
If you live in the area where you grew up, try visiting a spot you used to frequent as a child. Or if you are new to the area, spend some time online finding interesting and exciting hikes around you.
3. Learn or Relearn Your Favorite Instrument
Playing a musical instrument can be frustrating if you are trying to do it perfectly. But there is also something deeply relaxing about focusing on trying to perfect a note, rather than your entire life.
As a busy doctor, you spend a lot of time worrying about providing the best care you can. Playing an instrument allows you to disconnect from that pressure and free your mind.
4. Pick Up a Podcast
Podcasts are prerecorded radio shows about various topics that you can download online. There are many available that have relaxing themes such as mindfulness recordings, fun stories, and funny features.
Try finding a podcast that you like to listen to on the ride to and from work. It will give you something to think about other than work as you are on the way, allowing you to save yourself a few more moments of relaxation time.
5. Read a Great Book
Books are the original podcasts. They can fill up your mind with the most beautiful ideas and images and transport you to worlds far different from your own.
Books are also a great choice for relaxation because there are so many that you can pick up that will help you later in life. Many books are full of wisdom and life lessons and can offer you the opportunity to learn from other’s experiences instead of having to make every mistake yourself.
6. Book Yourself a Massage
Many people never get professional massages because they were never raised to think about going. But getting a massage is highly beneficial for many different kinds of people.
As a dentist, you spend a lot of time running around the office caring for patients. A massage gives you a chance to slow down. And, of course, it will help make your muscles feel a lot better allowing you to feel much more relaxed. This blog can explain more.
7. Schedule a Round of Golf or Swim
Playing golf is considered to be one of the most relaxing sports out there. You can choose to use a golf cart to avoid the overexertion walking would bring and truly enjoy the process of the game.
If golfing isn’t really your thing, that isn’t the only country club activity bound to bring you a relaxed feeling. Swimming is also a great practice for people who are looking to get rid of stress and relax their minds.
Swimming is great because when you are underwater, your body feels weightless and your thoughts have a chance to marinade around in your mind. Many people say they do their best thinking in the pool.
8. Spend Time in the Sun
If you aren’t getting enough sunlight hours because you spend the entire day in the office, then spending some time in the sun on your day off is key.
Sunlight allows your body to activate the Vitamin D it was storing and can bring you a calm, peaceful, and relaxed feeling. Just make sure you wear sunscreen especially if your skin is not used to the sun. There is nothing relaxing about getting skin cancer.
9. Try Hatha or Vinyasa Yoga
Yoga is an eastern mind-body practice and hatha and vinyasa are the most common forms that you will see in American gyms and studios.
Yoga is a great way to stretch out your body and build muscle while also creating space in your mind. In class, you will learn new breathing techniques and ways to move your body to bring stress relief no matter where you are.
10. Meditate
If you aren’t yet meditating, then you are missing out on a major relaxation tool. It may sound a little wonky if you aren’t familiar with the practice, but learning to quiet your mind and be present is incredibly beneficial for everyone, including dentists.
Beyond Relaxation Ideas: More Helpful Articles for Dentists
Now that you have all these great relaxation ideas, it’s time to put them into practice. Take a day off and enjoy the world around you. Free your mind and body.
For more suggestions, check out these other out of office ideas for the busy dentist.