It’s still hard to believe that a brand new year is here! We hope you’ve all been enjoying the beginning of 2018. While it can be hard to get back in the groove of things after all the delicious holiday food and quality time with friends and family, there are things you can do to make sure you get the most out this fresh start!
First, prioritize what you want to get done this year. It’s helpful to set up a time frame for yourself that is realistic and that will keep you on track. Then, start with the easiest task on your list. It will help give you momentum! Lastly, make it a habit to continuously review and revise your tasks as you accomplish them.
Dr. Bates loves to jump right back into it after a long holiday and often finds that a workout in the morning can be a great way to get the productivity for the day going. He usually tries to work out 3-4 times a week to stay balanced. Another thing that helps him stay grounded? Praising his staff. It may sound cheesy, but anyone can benefit from spreading some positivity!
In the spirit of having a strong start to the year, we of course recommend staying on top of your dental hygiene. Like with many things in life, consistency is key. The goal (if it hasn’t already been accomplished) should be to brush and floss so often that it almost becomes a reflex and it blends seamlessly into your lifestyle. You might even consider eliminating foods and drinks that are high in sugar. Your teeth will certainly thank you!
The work week can get busy, leaving you with less time to do things like cook or get some relaxation. When it comes to cooking, meal planning is a great way to tackle the “I’m too busy to cook” issue. Dr. Bates loves Meatless Monday, where he throws together a quick, easy recipe sans meat. Baking chicken and fish are also healthy and quick alternatives.
If you carve out some time for yourself to relax (and we highly recommend that you do!) you may want to check out the book Displaced Person by Ella Schneider Hilton. It’s at the top of our reading list this year! And we don’t know about you, but we are definitely planning on making more time for travel and quality time with old friends.
We hope you’re all having a lovely start to the year and we can’t wait to see you in the office soon!
