At Luminous Smiles, Dr. Desai strives for excellence in and out of the dental office. Passion has helped her accomplish her most sought-after goals, but her drive to succeed shaped her dentistry career. She sees these qualities in so many of her patients. They are “the best” at what they do or “the one who will do the job right.”  

But with your personality and drive, some things can get pushed aside. One of those things is your health. Take it from a winner at every level: Dr. Desai wants you to know that your health matters. If you don’t make time for it, everything else could suffer. 

New Year’s Resolutions to Keep Your Health in Check 

A healthier you is a more successful you, and making the right New Year’s resolutions can help you find a balance between your health and your career. To ensure your health is a priority this new year, try these 9 small but significant ways to better embrace life from Dr. Desai.

1. Get More Sleep   

You likely live a demanding life with expectations to deliver, whether from your fans, your management, or your family. These demands can disrupt sleep patterns, but long-lasting health requires seven to nine hours of sleep each night. It boosts your immune system and protects your heart from disease. 

It’s helpful to establish a regular sleep routine, including going to bed and waking up at similar times each day. Avoid drinking caffeine late in the day and cut out alcohol. Turn off electronics before bed and set boundaries around social media and television. 

2. Get Up and Move 

Regular movement, or physical activity, is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. It contributes to improved brain function, reduces heart disease risk, and manages weight. It doesn’t matter whether it’s slow and deliberate yoga poses or high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—you just have to make it a routine!   

3. Establish a No-phone Zone 

It’s common to spend so much time scrolling through your phone that you often feel lost without it in your hand! Create a physical boundary with your phone use to help you enjoy life in real time again. 

Setting physical boundaries is easier to manage than setting time limits for checking your emails or social media accounts. This is also important for television and computer use. 

4. Visit Your Doctor

Scheduling routine checkups with your doctor will help identify potential health issues before they become a problem. When your doctor can detect diseases and conditions early, it gives you the best chance of receiving the correct treatment and avoiding complications. 

Routine screenings and prompt treatment are crucial for a longer, healthier life. 

5. Use Your Vacation Days  

You may not typically use your vacation days. Whether it’s due to fear of missing a deadline or saving them for another time, many people tend to continue working day after day. 

But vacations are essential for allowing you to recharge. Taking a yearly break from your job decreases the risk of:

• Burnout.
• Poor job performance. 
• Sleep deprivation.
• Sickness.
• Depression.

Stress is linked to many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections. You can lower the risk of developing health problems by taking time off to relax and reset. 

6. Eat Organic Foods 

Organic foods are processed without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This creates a safer working environment for the farmers and healthier food for you. Adding organic foods to your diet can improve your nutrient intake.  

7. Take Time to Breathe

Many studies have shown that taking time to breathe, or practicing “mindful breathing,” slows your heart rate and improves oxygen flow in the bloodstream. It can improve your mental focus and reduce the risk of health conditions, such as kidney failure, heart attacks, anxiety, or PTSD.  

8. Hold Your Family Close 

Life comes at you fast, and you never know what will happen. This new year, be more active in telling those who matter to you most that you love them. Spending time with friends and family is soothing and can improve your mental health. 

9. Visit Your Newport Beach Dentist 

Dental appointments shouldn’t be reserved for when you are in pain. Preventing the pain is always better than searching for treatment. Regular visits with your dentist allow the dentist to check for early signs of decay, infection, and even cancer. Early intervention for all of these conditions will save your teeth—and, potentially, your life. 

Start Your New Year Off Right 

Learning to embrace life with a busy schedule can seem daunting, but committing to any of these New Year’s resolutions can bring you closer to a healthier—and, therefore, more successful—you.

Get started on the right foot in the new year with a visit to your Newport Beach dentist. As the only female American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry–accredited doctor in Newport Beach, Dr. Desai provides outstanding knowledge, skill, and personalized care to all her patients. 

Schedule your appointment at Luminous Smiles today!