AND IT’S BIOLOGICAL The Monday Slump Is Real …
If you wake up on Monday feeling like you got hit by a truck, you're not alone and certainly not imagining it. The “Monday scaries” are more than a funny meme; they’re rooted in biology. Two days of relaxed routines, late wake-ups, and maybe a little indulgence throw off your internal body clock. That weekend shift in your sleep schedule can feel like jet lag come Monday morning, making it harder to wake up, focus, or function at full capacity. Stress hormones spike on Mondays. Adding fuel to the fire, your body naturally produces more cortisol, the primary stress hormone, early in the day to help you wake up and move. However, research shows cortisol levels are often higher on Monday mornings. You’re not just waking up; you’re mentally bracing for everything the week is about to throw at you: meetings, deadlines,
commutes, and inboxes stacked like Jenga towers. Your brain senses a threat, even if it’s just a packed calendar. Weekend whiplash wrecks your momentum. The weekend is a break from responsibility. You can lounge, laugh, socialize, and embrace your most authentic self. Then Monday shows up and demands a complete 180. That stark contrast of freedom from structure creates mental whiplash. You have to shift gears without a warm-up lap, and your brain rebels. It’s not that Mondays are objectively worse; they just highlight
weekdays. The problem isn’t Monday itself. It’s our perception of it. We idealize the weekend and villainize Monday, giving it a bad rap it might not fully deserve. The dread is often psychological, built on expectations rather than experience. Make Mondays better! There’s no magic wand, but there are strategies. Try keeping your weekend wake-up time close to your weekday time to minimize sleep disruption. Wrap up your workweek with a to-do list for Monday so
you’re not walking in blind, and schedule something you enjoy for Monday: a fancy coffee, a midday walk, or a catch-up
how much better weekends feel. Miserable Mondays is a myth. Surprisingly, research suggests
call with a friend. A small pleasure can take the sting out of a stressful start.
people don’t report being significantly unhappier on Mondays than on other
A WORD FROM ASHLEE, GRACE, AND LEAH What to Do When Dental Emergencies Strike Without Warning
Accidents don’t send invitations. When your day suddenly involves smashed teeth, throbbing pain, or bleeding gums, knowing what to do right away can make all the difference. Here’s how to take charge. Knocked-Out Tooth First, stay calm. Time is of the essence. Try to handle the tooth by its crown (the chewing surface), never the root. If possible, gently reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place by biting down softly on gauze or clean cloth. If that’s not feasible, keep it moist: Tuck it between your cheek and gums, or submerge it in milk (or a tooth-preservation solution if you have one). Then, book an appointment as soon as possible. The sooner it’s treated, the better its chance of survival. Cracked or Split Tooth Spit out any bits, then rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris. Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce any swelling. Avoid chewing on that side and take pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) if your medical conditions allow. Don’t try to glue it yourself or break off loose fragments. Unrelenting Toothache Begin with the basics: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to flush irritants, then gently try to remove particles between your
teeth with floss. If that doesn’t reveal a cause, be cautious
with over-the-counter pain relief. Never place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth, as it can
cause tissue damage. Call our office if pain lingers for more than a day or is severe, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity to hot or cold. Lip, Cheek, or Tongue Injuries Rinse gently with water, then apply a clean, cold compress to reduce swelling or bleeding. If the wound is small and bleeding lightly, it might heal on its own. But if bleeding won’t stop after 10–15 minutes of gentle pressure, or if the cut is deep, head to an ER or urgent dental clinic. Foreign Object Stuck Between Teeth Floss gently to dislodge the object. Avoid poking or jabbing with pins, toothpicks, or anything sharp. If floss can’t remove it, call our office rather than risk injuring gums or pushing it deeper.
–Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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