OVERCOMING THE IMPOSSIBLE TASK Improving Your Mental Health One Step at a Time
Almost everyone at some point has encountered a task that is seemingly simple, but no matter what they do, they can’t complete it. These tasks can be as straightforward as making the bed or something bigger, like cleaning an entire room. For many, this is an obstacle that they may want to do but can’t, which weighs heavily on them and becomes detrimental to their mental health. It’s important to understand that the impossible task is not a sign of laziness; depression and anxiety can make any task feel much bigger and more difficult than it actually is. If you find yourself unable to do the things you need or want to do, try these techniques to help overcome your obstacles. Break up the task. When the overarching task feels daunting, breaking it up into smaller segments can help you manage it. If you’re cleaning the kitchen, clean for only a few minutes at a time before taking a break. It might take longer, but the space will be clean at the end of the day. Make the task more enjoyable. Play music or involve your pet in some way to make the task fun or create a reward system for yourself. For example, tidying a specific
area of the house or folding a basket of laundry may earn you time to play video games or watch TV. Alternating tasks and rewards is a great way to overcome any task, big or small. It can help to consider why the task feels so impossible, especially if you used to enjoy it. Try to remember what made it enjoyable and see if you can return to that state of mind. If the objective is not so urgent, determine its importance and if the task can be saved for another day. When all else fails, you can always ask someone for support or even pay someone else to do the task for you. No matter what you decide, there are ways to defeat the impossible task.
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First of all, make sure to brush and floss twice every day and eat a balanced diet. Research has shown that a regular oral hygiene regimen and a healthy diet, as well as an increased water and fiber intake, can decrease a mother’s risk of dental decay in the perinatal period. If flossing were optional, I wouldn’t recommend it to my patients. For most of human history, we’ve lost all our teeth as we get older. Now, thanks to flossing and science, we don’t have to. Flossing keeps your gums healthy by scrubbing bacteria that’d otherwise eat and destroy your teeth. Second, attend your biannual dental check-ups and cleanings. Keeping your dentist in the loop is a healthy practice for any expectant mother. These appointments ensure your teeth are professionally cleaned and in tip-top shape. We can help correct any signs of tooth decay so your cavities don’t infect your baby or children. If there’s any gum bleeding or other bacterial issues that can sometimes occur during pregnancy, we can help address them immediately with antibiotics. Lastly, any changes to your routine can be discussed with your dentist (me!), and we can figure out new tools and strategies to ensure your smile is protected. Third, bring your baby for a preventive dental visit by the time they’re 1 year old. According to national Medicaid data, only 9% of 1-
to 2-year-olds have a preventive dental visit. ECC is a serious public health issue, but cavities in a child’s early life (which can become lifelong health issues) can be prevented with early care. I have no doubt that all the families reading this have a busy month ahead of them. The holidays are a crazy time, but I hope you also consider stopping by our office for any missed cleanings and check-ups, especially if expanding your family is part of your big plans for 2022. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. – Dr. Corie Rowe
2 • WWW.COMFORT-FAMILYDENTAL.COM
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