New Year’s Resolutions from A Dentist: 2023 Edition
We’re almost there. Even though it’s no longer 2020, we’ve all been dealing with lingering and residual effects from the peak of the pandemic and need to remember to grant ourselves grace and acceptance as we head into 2023. That feels unbelievable to say: “2023”; but yes, life goes on despite what we’ve endured over the last few years. As we reflect upon what we’ve been grateful for during the rollercoaster of the ‘20s, we’ve been jotting down resolutions along the way. New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be just that, a one-time promise that we make as we shift from one year to the next; resolutions should be ideals that we uphold no matter when they present themselves to us.
Here are our top 4 resolutions as we venture into 2023:
Self Care
Remember, it’s okay to take time for yourself and to indulge in self care. In fact, it’s imperative that you allow yourself to put YOU first. When you put yourself first, you can be a better version of yourself to those in your life, and even treat your own inner being with the compassion that you deserve. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and stressed out; it’s okay to not be in the mood to socialize or to lack the desire to do anything; the most important thing is to take care of you. So go ahead and book that spa appointment, schedule that facial, take that beach walk, read a book, binge a Netflix series or – wait for it – eat that sugary sweet that’s been calling your name. That’s right, your dentist just told you to please your sweet tooth.
Kindness is Contagious
A simple act of kindness goes a long way. You never know what someone is going through on the inside. A smile, holding a door open, allowing a car to enter the roadway, saying hello to a stranger – you never know how large of an impact you may be having on someone’s day. So, be kind…to yourself, to others, to the world at large. We’ve all experienced life in different ways, and we can all do more to express kindness day in and day out. If we focus on spreading joy and positivity, it’ll be returned in leaps and bounds.
Make Your Health a Top Priority
Been wanting to make a change? Well, there’s no better time than a new year to put your dreams in motion! Introducing small changes into your diet, like: reducing sugars, cutting out soda, adding in more fruits & veggies, and eating healthily in moderation can do wonders for your physical, mental and emotional states. Additionally, adding in extra steps, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and mindful exercises like yoga and meditation can all help to shift the direction of your physical state. Plus, when you make changes to your physical health you may see improvements to your oral health as well – it’s a win-win situation!
Commit to Improving Your Oral Hygiene Routine
You didn’t think we’d write an entire blog post focused on resolutions without mentioning anything about oral hygiene, did you? You have an appointment coming up in a week or two, it’s time to cram in the days, weeks or months worth of flossing you’ve missed. We’re hip to this game and understand it’s a common reality for many, but there’s always time to make a change. As we kick off the new year, make a commitment to maintaining healthy teeth. Try to allocate 4 minutes per day total to brushing your teeth, and add another 4 minutes for flossing twice per day – let’s round up to 10 minutes total on your oral hygiene routine. And guess what? You can STILL dedicate the majority of your day’s time to your family, friends, work, hobbies, Hulu – whatever your passion may be.
What are some changes that you’re hoping to make for yourself or to improve overall quality of life for you and your family as we head into the new year? Whatever they may be, remember to breathe, grant yourself grace, and to appreciate who and where you are right now. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy entry into 2023!
