Things Not to Forget When Practicing Self Care!

Sometimes when we practice self care, we get caught up in the face masks, scented candles, bubble baths, and copious amounts of lemon water. While those things are still very important, we are leaving out crucial aspect of self care, which are typically the building blocks for self care, in general. Below are 5 things that you absolutely need to add to your self care routine to make sure that you are taking care of yourself in every way possible:

1. Routine check ups.

Doctors appointment are important for so many reasons. Maybe your medication needs to be adjusted, or you just need a basic check up (which everyone should be getting at least once a year) - It’s important for doctors to check the back of your throat and ear camels at least once a year to make sure they are functioning properly. It’s also very important to talk to your doctor about anything your experiencing such as heartburn or anxiety because your doctor can help relieve symptoms, and/or refer you to a specialist. Other important things to think about are:

Routine blood work

HIV/STD testing

Yearly exams for women

And between doctor’s appointments, you should be giving yourself a breast exam in the shower every week or two. This is important because breast cancer can form quickly and if it happens between your yearly appointments, you do not want to wait until the next year to find out. Giving yourself a self-exam is painless, easy, and quick.

2. Dental cleaning

Your smile is the very first thing many people judge you on. If you are going on a date or an interview, or even in your day to day life, you should always feel confident about your smile. Remember to get routine:

Cleanings

X-rays

Teeth whitening (if this is important to you)

Any cavities filled

If you are like me and grind your teeth at night, get a custom night guard made and check for cracked and chipped teeth.

If you are local (Metro-Atlanta), consider seeing Dr. Gary Simms, DDS at Metro Decatur Dental Group PC. Dr. Gary Simms is known for his calm, caring demeanor and ability to help produce fantastic results for his clients. He loves what he does and knows the importance of all around oral care, which includes both functional and cosmetic changes. “Dr. Simms is dedicated to immediate dentures for full mouth rehabilitation and provides his patients with a caring and comprehensive approach to oral health. He uses his extensive experience to provide the highest level of dental care to his patients with the utmost respect. Dr. Simms believes a conservative, preventative dentistry, and his goal is to increase the longevity of his patients teeth.” Metro Decatur Dental Group PC provides services such as gentle, but thorough teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, braces and/or invisalign, dental implants and dentures, and more. A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth and you need to make sure you are going to a dental office that is well versed in dental care and uses innovative technology. At Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, you will get just that. All of their surgeries and furnished with state of the art equipment and maintained at the highest standards, and you will receive a staff that is very caring and has a lot of experience.

3. Change up your routine

Repetition is the root to my depression. At work or at home. So, find things to do that you make you happy. Get out the house, take your dog for a walk and meet new people.

Do something you love

Take time off of social media

Call a friend instead of texting them

Take a mental health day every now and then!!

Take a nap

Get creative

Draw

Bake and take your time decorating your cookies or cake

Declutter your home

Watch a movie and eat some popcorn

4. Get active

Getting active produces ‘feel good’ chemicals into your brain. If you don’t like working out, other options include:

Go dancing with friends

Take a walk

Park at the back of the parking lot (while it’s daylight)

Do yoga at home (focus only on yourself)

5. Lastly, but most important to me, protect your mental state.

Remove negative people from your life.

Remove yourself from unhealthy and negative conversations, meetups, or other situations

Befriend positive people

Mediate

Smile in the mirror

Go get a pedicure or a body massage

See a therapist

Say ‘no’

#selfcare #health #selflove #doctor