By Dr. Jennifer Green-Springer DDS on Monday, 27 April 2020
Category: Dental

Where will I be by Memorial Day?

In this time of uncertainty, it is important to focus on the things we can control instead of worrying about the things we have no control over. Are we waiting in limbo for the crisis to be over or are we reevaluating our life goals? This is not an all or nothing prospect; we all spend time spinning out with worrying thoughts from time to time, but overall, do we have a goal, and are we working toward it? What do you want to accomplish by Memorial Day? Do you want to lose a few pounds, increase your daily water intake, read a few books, learn a new skill, organize that closet, establish an exercise routine, develop that daily flossing habit?


Here are a few tips to get you started:

Control: Gain control of your day! What is the one thing you can control today?

Write down the things you have control over. For example, you can control what goes into your mouth and what comes out of it.

Conditioning: Prioritize Movement, Sleep, and Water

Condition your body by doing some type of movement today. You don't need to run a
marathon-just find an activity that incorporates some movement and commit to doing it every day.

Make sure you are keeping to a good sleep routine. Staying up extra late to watch one more episode on Netflix every night (even if it is Grey's Anatomy) will produce a sleep deficit that will affect your immune system.

Drink water! Staying hydrated is always important for all of your body functions! Most experts recommend drinking about half of your body weight in water daily. The easiest guideline is to watch your urine output. Your urine should be a pale yellow if you are drinking enough water.

Connection: Stay connected to people you love even with "social" distancing

There is a difference between physical distancing and social distancing. This current health crisis has given us the opportunity to think about the people we love and to not take for granted that we can see them whenever we want to. It is an opportunity to evaluate our relationships and find new ways to show people we care. Driving by someone's house, texting, emailing, video chats, mailing cards, and letters are all ways to stay in touch.

Cleansing: Keep a routine or establish a new one-clean body, clean mind

Having a daily cleansing routine is important, especially for those prone to depression.
Water over our bodies has a cleansing benefit not only for our bodies but also for our minds. Shower time can be used for quiet meditation, for lifting your spirits with music or for self-enrichment with a podcast or audiobook.

Of course, maintaining a daily cleansing routine for our mouths is ideal for our health as well.2 minutes of mindful brushing, ideally with a rechargeable, power toothbrush, as well as cleaning between your teeth and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash daily completes an effective daily oral hygiene routine.

My goals include reestablishing a daily exercise routine, reading Everything is figureoutable by Marie Forleo (it has been sitting on my nightstand for months), and losing 5 lbs by Memorial Day.

Where will you be by Memorial Day?

Yours in continued health and wellness