NO CAFFEINE NEEDED
HOW TO BEAT YOUR AFTERNOON SLUMP
We all know the feeling: Sometime after lunch, you become sluggish, spacy, and unproductive. Many of us instinctively turn to caffeine to power through the rest of the day, but that can cause another crash, not to mention sleep problems. But don’t worry — you aren’t doomed to an aimless afternoon. We’ve compiled expert tips to perk up and carry on with your busy day. PLAN YOUR WORK. All of our bodies have internal rhythms, and by now, you probably know yours. Typically, people peak mid-morning or in the late afternoon. But whenever your productive heights are, plan around them. Complete the detailed, creative, or difficult work during the times when your energy is at its best, and save your “busy work” or repetitive tasks for the lulls when you feel less motivated. You’ll feel better and get more done. CONSUME HEALTHY FOODS AND LOTS OF WATER. Maybe you don’t have complete control of your schedule. That’s where a healthy snack comes in. We tend to crash in the afternoon when our blood sugar drops, usually due to consuming carbohydrates. Eating vegetables, fruit, and protein or fiber-rich foods will help pick up Save Your Smile If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you nervous, anxious, and queasy, you are not alone! According to the Journal of Dental Hygiene, between 50 and 80 percent of all adults experience some form of dental anxiety, and in some cases, this anxiety prevents them from attending routine dental visits and checkups. But, dental checkups are vital to your overall health and should not be missed! While there are many reasons to fear the dentist, including worry that the dentist will cause you pain, anxiety about needles and shots, fear that the numbing agents will not work, feeling uncomfortable with someone working in your mouth, or embarrassment of the condition of your teeth, there are many ways to combat these fears. Here are some methods to help you overcome your dental phobia. FIND A DENTAL OFFICE THAT CATERS TO DENTAL ANXIETY. Here at Texas Sedation Dental, we have the team, tools, and expertise to put you at ease. No matter what type of dental work you require, our doctors are qualified to administer both IV and oral sedation to help calm your nerves and keep you comfortable during any procedure. USE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES. Before your appointment, take some time just for yourself to help get into the right mindset. Engage in some stretching, deep breathing, and meditation and most importantly, avoid caffeine if at all possible to avoid the jitters.
your energy without incurring a future dip. While you’re snacking, drink some water. A 2018 study out of Yale found that even mild dehydration can negatively affect our brains’ ability to function, so don’t let your water bottle sit untouched. GET UP AND MOVE. You’re not going to get over that slump by sitting in your chair. If you want to beat back fatigue, go for a walk, climb some stairs, stretch, or do some jumping jacks. Researchers have proven that exercise wakes up both your body and your mind. In fact, science says it will do a better job of rousing you than caffeine will. Best of all, it will help, not hurt, your ability to sleep at night. Finally, set yourself up for success by going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting your necessary 7–9 hours of sleep. Our attention ebbs and flows naturally, so none of us can be our best 100% of the time. But along with these other tips, staying well-rested can help you pick up the pace.
COMBATTING FEAR OF THE DENTAL CHAIR
DON’T GO ALONE. To help calm your nerves, bring a family member or friend along to your appointment. Even if your support person just waits in the waiting area during your procedure, it’s comforting to know that someone is there with you! ARRIVE EARLY, BUT NOT TOO EARLY! If you’re rushing to get there on time, it may make you all the more anxious. To help keep yourself in a calm state of mind, allow yourself a nice 15-minute buffer to get there in time to fill out any paperwork and to get settled before they call you back. But don’t get there too early, or you may find yourself waiting anxiously for quite some time! COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR DENTIST. If you suffer from dental anxiety, let your dentist know. Because it’s so common, dentists have a few tricks up their sleeves to help you settle in and feel more at ease. Communication is key! Your dental health is paramount because it is so closely connected to your overall health. If you suffer from dental anxiety, it’s important to know that you are not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many ways, including sedation, to help you feel more relaxed and at ease the next time you visit the dentist!
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