“I Am Relaxed”

Apparently I have a subconscious fear of going to the dentist. Now I do realize that going to the dentist isn’t my favorite thing. Not a fan of the inherent discomfort that dental instruments provide. However, I never realized that I had a true fear of going to the dentist. But I do.

I had a cleaning scheduled for last week. When I arrived at the dentist’s office I felt fine. Nothing out of the usual. The hygienist sent me to my assigned room and proceeded to take my blood pressure. 196 over 106. Not good. So we waited the obligatory four minutes to retake the blood pressure. 156 over 95. A little better. The hygienist commenced with the cleaning.

Today I had to have a follow up procedure. Same hygienist. Same room. I found comfort in the familiarity. I felt relaxed with no stress. Time for blood pressure check. 196 over 108. Really? Gotta wait four minutes for the retake. 194 over 102. The hygienist playfully tells me to relax. I am relaxed. I feel relaxed. One more blood pressure check. 192 over 100. I feel fine. But apparently I am subconsciously stressed about the dental procedure. Which leads me to a greater point.

Stress isn’t always apparent. It doesn’t always show up with physical or emotional indicators which is why we need to manage our stress as much as we can. We oftentimes face minor stressors without even realizing they’re there. So I’ve learned a lesson.

Relax! Every time you get a chance to take a deep breath, take it. Every chance you get to unwind, do it. Let every part of your body decompress from the demands of each day.

And maybe when it’s time for you to go to the dentist you’ll be more relaxed than I am.