Dealing With Dental Career Burnout

If you dread going to the office in the morning, no longer enjoy seeing patients, or simply want to walk away from dentistry altogether, you may be experiencing burnout. We all have different ways of handling stress and burnout, but if you don’t get a release you may make a decision you’ll regret later.

Tips For Dealing With Burnout

Below are a few ways to help you get over your feelings of burnout:

• Take Breaks – The first thing you need to do is find a way to give yourself regular breaks. For example, leave the office for your lunch break instead of eating at your desk. Schedule a few short 15-minute breaks throughout the day to read a book, do a puzzle, or even take a nap.
• Talk To Friends – Talk to your close friends who are able to listen and be objective. Avoid those who are going to try to “fix” your problems and talk mainly to those who know how to listen and let you unload your issues.
• Exercise More – Not only is exercise a great way to stay healthy and in shape, but exercising releases endorphins; the “feel-good” hormone. Even if you can only find 10 or 15 extra minutes a day, do a 10 or 15-minute exercise. It’s better than none at all!
• Get Plenty Of Sleep – It’s been proven that getting enough sleep is incredibly important to your daily ability to function and feel happiness. The ideal amount of sleep is 8 hours a night. Getting good sleep will help you clear your mind, put things in perspective, and help you feel happier and more satisfied with life.

Suffering from burnout and not doing anything to help you feel better can negatively impact all aspects of your life. Don’t let your burnout get out of control! It’s important to take good care of yourself before you can expect to take good care of your dental practice.

For more tips on keeping your dental practice running successfully, please contact CTC Associates today.