A little bit of summer

While writing my message for this summer issue, John Mayer’s song “Wildfire” started playing on the radio. It started me thinking about what summer means. The song says, “… a little bit of summer is what the whole year’s all about.” After the past 2 years of rethinking, regrouping, and reopening, we’ve all worked so hard to get back to business. Working hard is what dentists do best ­­— outfitting the office with the best equipment, taking continuing education courses, and learning new management techniques to keep the offices running smoothly. All the while keeping patients happy and offering the best dental care. Throwing your practice into high gear takes lots of energy and diligence. But we also must remember to take a step back and at least for a little while, enjoy some of the joys of summer.

An article in Forbes titled, “The Evolving Definition of Work-Life Balance,” says that “maintaining work-life balance helps reduce stress and helps prevent burnout in the workplace.” The article continues, saying that stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace, leading to high blood pressure, stomach issues, aches, pains, and heart problems. Emotionally, stress can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and low work performance.¹ Balance means different things to different people. To alleviate stress, some people just like to spend some quality time with family or friends; some want to hop back on that cruise ship; and others like to hit the hiking trails and commune with nature. Whatever brings a smile to your face will keep summer in your heart and mind for the rest of the year.

Take us with you! On vacation or on your backyard deck, you can still consider new concepts to bring back to your office. Whether you read our publications in print, on your laptop, iPad, or phone, our articles are meant to inform, intrigue, and inspire you to new techniques, products, and services that promote success. The cover story in our summer issue focuses on Dr. Chris Bonebreak Jackson, the new Director of Clinical Affairs for LightForce Orthodontics. Read about the extraordinary analytical, engineering, and orthodontic skills that she brings to the LightForce team. Don’t miss our AAO Special Section, featuring companies that are transforming orthodontics with their products — aligners, tooth-moving systems, digital technologies, patient management platforms, and tooth prep products. Jot down their booth numbers to see these innovations for yourself! A CE by Drs. Jaimeé Morgan and Stan Presley discusses the benefits of smile bleaching during orthodontic treatment. Don’t forget to take the quiz to obtain your CE credits.

How do you know when to take a step back so that you can continue moving forward? Here are a few tips:

• Be aware of your feelings. If you start to feel more sad or grouchy than energized and content, it’s time to figure out why.
• Consider your priorities. What is most important to you in life? Do you need more time for yourself, friends, family, or just your pet?
• Don’t be afraid to change. Once you decide on a plan — do it! Change or rearrange your office duties to help create a calmer or more effective

We love our work. But we also have to remember to include a bit of play. At work, you are changing lives, and at play, you are making memories. We need to rest and rejuvenate to create. John Mayer’s lyrics sum it up so well — “a little bit of summer makes a lot of history.” To your best success!