 |
|||
Well Being One of the key tenets of the Alliance’s mission is to provide resources and support of the well-being of the dental family. The Alliance strives to be a resource for the spouse to be proactive in looking at their own health and wellness. We support the ADA’s Health and Wellness programs that focus on topics such as crisis and disaster response, disability support/disable dentists, stress, work balance and mental health, and substance abuse disorders. The Alliance has a liaison role with the ADA’s Health and Wellness Committee. Mary Ellen Psaltis is our representative to the ADA’s Committee. You may e-mail her at TheRecipeWriter@hotmail.com. We focus on all needs of the dental family and not exclusively drug or alcohol addictions. We are here to support the family in any way that benefits our Alliance members.
NEW! A MEMBER PROJECT AWARDS CATEGORY - Well Being Awards The Well Being Awards application is to be submitted by April 22, 2010. PARTICIPATE and BE RECOGNIZED! We want to acknowledge your efforts on behalf of the dental profession at the AADA Convention 2010 in Orlando, FL.
WELLNESS MATTERS from Mary Ellen Psaltis, BPH Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant
THE GYM & THE ALLIANCE: How They Are Similar The gym is the right place to work out, but this past weekend I was reminded of two lessons that relate to the Alliance.
Both of us work out regularly, but this class provides challenges for those willing to do the work. Usually the class has three women for every man and the age range goes across the board. Last Saturday a man showed up for the first time. I overheard him say he worked out regularly three times a week. By the tone of his voice it sounded to me like he wanted us to know he was ready for whatever this class had to offer. I helped him pick out some weights and showed him how he could add or subtract depending on how the workout was going for him. As I caught glimpses of him during the class, I noticed that he was not able to keep up with the reps with the weight he had. Nor was he able to keep his body in proper form. I also noticed that many of the regular attendees kept up with the instructor. This reminded me that sometimes I think I am ready for a task at hand, but in truth I need help. I need someone who has more experience or knowledge and is willing to assist me. I might think that I can face it, but I really do not get the full benefit. I thought about myself as a new Alliance member. I wanted to participate fully but really did not know what to do. It looked like all the 'regular attendees' were easily having fun and keeping busy. It may be clear to active members what needs to be done or where we can plug in, but it is not so apparent to a new comer. During this class I was also reminded that regular participation in the exercise class strengthens my muscles and I do make improvement over time. Little bits over time add up. this is just like participation in the Alliance. Doing your part in the areas that interest you make a difference. Maybe you take a brushing and flossing presentation into your child's classroom. Maybe you send a letter to your legislator. Maybe you take dinner to your friend who has a family emergency. All of our contributions add up to making a big difference to those around us. I hope the 'new guy' was not scared off about coming to class again. When I see him, I will encourage him to keep at it. Remember to keep in touch with your alliance friends to let them know what you are doing and how you are. Sometimes that is more inspiration than you can even imagine!
VACATIONS VS REAL LIFE — ALTERNATE REALITIES
We take vacations for many reasons. For the most part, vacations are a definite change of pace from our regular life. In the middle of February, I am writing this from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and have had the pleasure of sunshine, life without socks, and the sound of the surf pounding outside my balcony doors. I have had a few thoughts about the experience of being here compared to my experiences at home. First, let me note, that as my husband says, "There are vacations and there are trips with the kids." Right now I am talking about vacations. This is a time where it is actually possible to unplug overworked parts of my brain, get some rest and have time to think (or not).
SLEEP At home I feel pressed to get to bed at a reasonable time because I know I am getting up early the next day. Even as the evening wanes, I go about finishing up projects, household chores, answering e-mails and preparing for the next day. Eventually I set my alarm, slip under the sheets and consider unwinding by reading. I look at the clock and wonder how many pages I can read. As often as not, I then lie awake for quite a while as my thoughts continue to whirl around. The alarm seems to go off in record time. This week I have had plenty of time to read or do puzzles before I was sleepy. No projects were calling me and there was no guilt with relaxing. I closed my eyes when they wouldn't stay open any longer and easily fell into sleep — never plagued by those continuous, random thoughts that have kept me awake at home. I was able to sleep until my body was ready to wake up. There was no alarm. Interestingly enough, the actual times of going to bed and getting up have not been that different than when I am at home. I have had the luxury of turning over in the morning and dozing for a little longer here, but it feels a lot different. There is an incredible, joyous feeling of being free from the usual chores to do, children to chase, dinners to cook and deadlines to file. I get out of bed with a blue sky awaiting me and no pressing appointments. It's nice. I haven't figured out how to translate that into my life back home, because my life is busy by the choices I make. However, I am thinking that it might be a helpful idea to start winding down the day a little sooner. TIME At home my days fly by. Just like yours, they are packed with work, family, life maintenance and everything else. Here in Mexico, the days melt away. The hustle and bustle is absolutely gone and yet the time gently, quickly and amazingly slips away. Each morning my husband and I have time for coffee and conversation on the deck. There is time to walk on the beach, read a magazine and have long dinners with our friends. We have managed to squeeze in a few workouts, one massage and a dip in the hot tub. I have not missed doing laundry and I like having daily maid service. I admit, I do not want everyday of the rest of my life to be like this here in Mexico — because most of my life is somewhere else. I do like the many activities I do back home, but I can appreciate the change of pace during a vacation that allows my body, mind and spirit to recharge. It is the contrast between being at home and being here in Mexico that reminds me what I can experience at both places.
The AADA Spring Conference is another way to Relax, Renew and Recharge. I might not get quite as much sleep in Arizona as I have been getting in Cabo, but I will get to be with my Alliance friends. I will get to participate in the many events for fun and my personal learning. And I will get a change of pace from my life at home. Trips away from home are an investment in my own well being. I will be heading back to Olympia soon. I will miss the warm, sunny days in Mexico, but I love my life at home. I will appreciate being able to cook my own meals just the way I like; I will appreciate being able to drive my car and I will love seeing my son every day. Hopefully, I will remember to take the time to read a little longer at night. Celebrate your well being. Come to your fantastic spring conference. Together we will have a blast. I look forward to seeing you in Arizona!
ARTICLE ARCHIVES |
|
