Sunday Habits That Set You Up for the Week NO MORE MANIC MONDAYS
After a long week of work, many Americans relax, participate in their hobbies, and try to avoid increased responsibilities during the weekend. While this can be beneficial for your mental health, have you ever felt like your week was off to a rough start as soon as Monday rolled around? There’s nothing wrong with relaxing on the weekend, but putting aside your responsibilities for a few days can put you behind the eight ball. You don’t need to set aside your Sunday to deep-clean the house from top to bottom, but adding beneficial habits to the final day of the weekend can ensure every week starts on the right foot. Declutter Decluttering and clearing your space will directly impact your mental state. This can
be an overwhelming task at times, especially if you have a house full of kids, but you can make it manageable by keeping up with it every week. It might be easier once the kids go to bed, but take a few minutes every Sunday to walk through your house and pick up any items off the floor, on furniture, and anywhere else they may be lying. Plan Ahead Nothing will better prepare you for the week ahead than planning. Look through your work schedule and your kids’calendars to make sure you’re aware of upcoming events, games, or practices.You could also consider meal prepping if the upcoming week looks busier than usual. To take it a step further, prepack your kids’ lunches, lay out clothes for the workweek, and write down additional responsibilities you’ll have throughout the week.
Light Cleaning As stated earlier, you don’t need to deep- clean every week, but your home will look much better if you establish weekly light cleaning behaviors. Wipe down the surfaces in your kitchen, clean the windows, and give your floor some love by mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. If you have the time and energy, consider doing a load of laundry or two. These little tasks will add up, making your house consistently sparkle.
A WORD FROM ASHLEE, GRACE, AND LEAH Is Oil Pulling Worth the Hype?
Oil pulling might sound like a trendy wellness hack, but it’s a centuries- old Ayurvedic medicine ritual. The concept is simple:You swish oil, usually coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil, in your mouth for roughly 10–20 minutes, then spit it out. But why on earth would someone do that? As it turns out, the potential benefits might surprise you.
This part can feel a little strange at first, so start with five minutes and work your way up. Spit the oil into a trash can (not the sink) when you're done. Then, rinse with warm water before brushing your teeth.
The Basics The main idea behind oil pulling is to“pull” bacteria and toxins out of your mouth. Your mouth has many types of bacteria, some helpful and others not so much. Swishing oil around supposedly traps the bad guys, allowing you to spit them out before they cause issues like cavities, gum disease, or bad breath. While scientific research on oil pulling is still limited, small studies have suggested it may reduce harmful bacteria, plaque buildup, and inflammation. Ready to Give It a Try? Start by placing about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Swish it around gently (don’t gargle or swallow) and keep it going for up to 20 minutes.
Is It Safe? Yes, oil pulling is safe for most people. Just be sure not to swallow the oil, as it contains all the toxins and bacteria you’re trying to get rid of. If you have allergies, be sure to choose your oil type carefully. While oil pulling isn’t a miracle cure, it could be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine. It’s easy, inexpensive, and has been used for generations. If you’re curious, give it a try. Nothing replaces regular
brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, but oil pulling might give your smile a little extra shine.
–Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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