Dental Transition: Journaling for Stress Relief

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If you’re in the process of selling a dental practice, it’s likely that you’re feeling a little stress. One of the easiest and most effective methods to reduce stress during a transition is journaling. Not only does journaling provide an outlet for stress but it is also a proven tool to boost productivity in your work day. It clears your mind and allows you to look at things from a fresh perspective. Sometimes just the act of writing down what you’re concerned about can help you discern a solution.

While there are three different types of journaling that are most effective at relieving stress, journaling can be as simple as making a to-do list.

Here are three examples of journaling styles you can try:

Free Thought Journaling

Free thought journaling can be done first thing in the morning or at night before bed. Author Julia Cameron is a big believer in what she calls “Morning Pages.” These are three pages of journaling first thing in the morning. Put everything that’s on your mind down on paper and keep writing until you have filled three notebook pages or until 30 minutes have passed. At some point you will find that something shifts and creativity starts to flow, bringing forth new ideas and solutions to situations you may be struggling with during this transition.

Another benefit to the morning pages method is that it gets all of the “to-do list” items out of your mind and on to paper. This frees your mind and allows for increased productivity as you take care of patients during your day. With the menial tasks out of your mind and on paper, more important things can be attended to.

Gratitude Journal

The gratitude journal has become very popular in recent years, with good cause. The act of stopping each day to reflect on the good things that have happened and the things you are grateful for can help with feelings of frustration or sadness. At the end of your day write down those positive things that happened that you are grateful for. It could be as simple as that reassuring meeting you had with your local dental broker or attending a child’s birthday party. The point is to find a positive moment and write it down. When you’re having a particularly bad day you will find added benefit in being able to go back and re-read your gratitude lists.

Transitions Journal

The process of selling your dental practice can be consuming and filled with details. Keeping a journal to record everything that is discussed, agreed upon, and any questions that may arise is a great way to keep the process more organized. Keep everything related to the transition in one simple spiral notebook. You can create two separate sections of the notebook, one for things pertinent to selling your practice and the other can be a space to note places you want to go and things you want to do after the transition.

Most people see benefits very quickly with journaling. Find a system that works for you and your schedule, whether it’s alternating days and styles or sticking with one system and doing it daily. The important thing is to get what’s on your mind onto the paper.