Blue Monday, often dubbed the “most depressing day of the year,” supposedly falls on the third Monday of January. While the science behind it is debatable (to say the least!), the reality is that many people really do feel a post-Christmas slump, as well as financial pressures and winter blues around this time. For dental practice teams, juggling patient care, administrative tasks and high-pressure schedules, this time of year can feel particularly heavy.
However, there are practical steps you can take to support mental health and create a positive atmosphere in your practice all year round and not just on so-called Blue Monday. Here, Business Development Manager, Lesley Turner, offers some suggestions:
Start the day with a team check-in
A quick morning huddle can be used for more than just reviewing appointments. It can be an opportunity to check in on how everyone is feeling. Encourage openness and remind your team that it’s okay to have an off day. A simple “How’s everyone doing today?” can help to open the lines of communication so that anyone in need of a bit of support can ask for it.
This is important because 1 in 6 UK adults experience symptoms of anxiety or depression each week according to the Mental Health Foundation. Letting team members know they can speak up about how they’re feeling can help prevent things from escalating.
Create a calm and uplifting environment
The physical environment impacts mental health more than we realise, which is possibly why the Chinese practice of Feng Sui caught on in the West. Ensure your practice is a productive place to work by brightening it up with fresh flowers, calming music or energising fragrances. If possible, let natural light in as sunlight boosts serotonin and helps combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD, also known as the winter blues).
This can be helpful as research has shown that exposure to natural light can increase productivity by up to 40% and improve mood significantly.
Encourage movement and micro-breaks
Dental professionals often spend long hours in static positions, which can lead to physical strain and mental fatigue. To combat this, schedule short breaks between patients for stretching or a quick walk. Even five minutes of movement can improve mood and energy levels. A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that just 15 minutes of physical activity per day can reduce the risk of depression by 26%, so get moving!
Prioritise healthy snacks
On days when you’re really busy, especially when it’s dark and miserable outside, it’s tempting to reach for sugary treats. However, these can lead to energy crashes and mood dips. A better idea is to make sure to stock the staff room with healthy snacks like fruit, nuts and yogurt. Staying hydrated is also important so ensure there’s easy access to water for everyone.
As well as helping you avoid energy crashes, research from the British Nutrition Foundation shows that balanced nutrition can improve concentration and reduce stress, making healthy snacks a simple but effective mental health booster.
Make gratitude part of the team’s day
Gratitude has a powerful effect on mental well-being. At the end of the day, why not take two minutes for everyone to share one positive thing from their day. This could be a successful treatment, a kind patient interaction or simply a good cup of coffee. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering, just something that was positive. Sharing these wins shifts the focus from stress to appreciation. It may seem a bit Pollyanna-ish, but studies show that practicing gratitude can increase happiness by 25% and reduce symptoms of depression.
Offer mental health resources
Sometimes, your colleague may need the help and support of a professional. Make sure your team members are aware of what resources are available to them. You may have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), counselling services or mental health apps. Whatever you offer, please make sure everyone knows what they are and how to access them.
Looking after our mental health is vital so try to normalise conversations about it so no one feels awkward or isolated. Sadly, this is important as stress, burnout and poor mental health are prevalent in dentistry. According to the British Dental Association, over 40% of dentists report high levels of stress and many cite mental health as a growing concern in the profession.
Plan something fun
Whether you subscribe to the idea of Blue Monday or not, this time of year doesn’t have to be gloomy. Organise a small event such as a themed lunch, a coffee treat or a light-hearted team activity. Something that brings you together and that you’ll all enjoy.
Laughter is a natural stress reliever and can strengthen team relationships. Not only that, laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals and can reduce stress hormones by up to 55%. So go on! Have a good team giggle!
To sum up, although good mental health is a personal issue, it’s also a priority for the whole team. By creating a supportive environment, encouraging healthy habits and fostering positivity, you and your team can turn Blue Monday into an opportunity to connect with each other and show how much you care. Just a few small changes can make a big difference.
About Lesley
Lesley Turner has been a Business Development Manager at Medenta for 9 years. She has worked in dentistry for many years, including 10 years as a practice manager, during which time she won a Practice Manager of the Year Award. As a previous end user of Medenta, Lesley is well-placed to understand our customers’ needs and can empathise with practices’ patient finance requirements.