Self Care
Inside Dental Technology delivers updates on digital workflows, materials, lab techniques, and innovation in dental technology through expert articles and videos.
October 1, 2023
Volume 14, Issue 10, October 2023
Page(s): p. 2
October makes it clear: The summer has come to an end. It was official for me a few weeks earlier, when the US Open Tennis Championships began. For those who are not fans, the US Open is one of the four major tennis events of the year and is held the last week of August through the first week of September in Flushing Meadow Corona Park in New York. It is truly an amazing event that I have had the good fortune of attending many times over the years.
We are all probably aware of studies and reports regarding the link between exercise and mental wellness. Physical activity is often said to improve mental acuity and overall mental health. I have always realized the physical benefits, but after the past few months, I can personally attest to mental benefits that, for me, now almost exceed the obvious physical gains.
Some of the benefits of engaging in a regular sport or exercise as reported by Halifax Health are as follows:
1. Exercise positively impacts levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mental health, and stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which improves mood.
2. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural "happy chemicals," and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
3. Sports are associated with lower rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior.
4. Team sports enhance resilience, empathy, confidence, and empowerment.
5. They have also been shown to increase executive functioning, creativity, cognitive development, and self-regulation.
6. They improve teamwork and social responsibility.
7. Sleep improves when physically active—which is important because sleep is essential for maintaining mental health.
We have all seen the multitude of technicians on social media sharing their hobbies, sports, and exercise regimens. Needless to say, even though the summer officially has ended, finding time off the bench for our mental and physical health should not. We are all hardworking technicians and businesspeople. Our profession, like many others, has numerous stress points, so mental health outlets are universally needed. I hope we can all find some outlets to distract us from the everyday pressures we face.
Peter Pizzi, MDT, CDT
Editor-in-Chief
peter.pizzi@broadcastmed.com
