DEALING WITH STRESS
You have more control over stress than you think. Stress management is about taking charge of your lifestyle, thoughts, emotions, and the way you deal with problems. No matter how stressful your life seems, there are steps you can take to regain control. Identify Sources Chronic stress is hard to recognize. Look closely at your habits and excuses. Do you explain away stress as temporary? Do you define stress as an integral part of your life? Do you blame your stress on others? If you don’t recognize your role in creating or maintaining stress, you will never be able to control it. Find Healthy Strategies Withdrawing from loved ones, bingeing on food or alcohol, procrastinating, and sleeping too much are all unhealthy ways to deal with stress. Instead, find unique, healthy coping strategies. Focus on what makes you feel calm and in control. Avoid, Alter, Adapt, and Accept Some stressors are predictable. Learn how to predetermine your reactions by choosing to avoid, alter, adapt, or accept. Avoid
people or situations that stress you out. Talk about your feelings instead of bottling them up, create a balanced schedule, reframe your problems, look at the big picture, and practice gratitude. It’s critical to look at the glass as half-full and learn to forgive. Make Time for Relaxation Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you make ample time for self-care, you will be in a better place to handle life’s stressors. Give yourself options like going for a walk, calling a good friend, journaling, or reading a book. Live a Healthy Lifestyle In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your resistance to stress. Eat a healthy diet; reduce caffeine and sugar; avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs; and get enough sleep. Stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to dictate your life. With stress management techniques, you can avoid chronic stress, reduce your stress levels, and live your life to the fullest.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
“Wow! I can’t say enough good about this place. As one who has had a lot of work done over the years, I have developed a fear because of the rude, careless, and painful experiences I’ve had. My daughter, who knows me and my fears very well, said I could do this place, so I took the plunge and visited. Through their professional, genuine, and caring staff, I’ve been able to get loads of work done over the year, and am extremely pleased with the results. I can truly say that there is no one better for me than Dr. Jones and the Jones Smiles staff. Thanks guys, I really love my results!” LAUREL W.
“Such great care and service that it’s worth the 40-mile drive for me to get there. You will never meet a more genuinely caring staff and doctor under one roof. I have always dreaded dental visits like no other, and have nothing pleasant to say about any of my former dental practices — they weren’t awful, but they weren’t great, either. However, as crazy as it is to say it, I have enjoyed all my visits to Dr. Jones. From the TVs on the ceiling, to the Pandora to listen to on ear buds, to the way they take pictures of what’s going on in your mouth so they can involve you in the treatment plan, it’s nothing short of dental heaven. I love them all and would recommend Dr. Jones and Jones Smiles to ANYONE — even those who would have to pass 100 other dentists’ offices to get there, like me.”
IZZY AND JAELYN A.
2 • www .JonesSmiles. com
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