Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep?
Have a headache first thing in the morning?
These might not be signs that you are having nightmares instead of counting sheep. It could be that you clench or grind your teeth at night.
Clenching and grinding your teeth often disturbs your sleep and can cause you pain during the day. Not ideal when you have a to-do list five pages long.
It is common for parents to be diagnosed with teeth grinding and clenching. With the stress of life, work and home, your body could be taking the stress out on your teeth.
So if you’re feeling stressed and think it may be causing you to grind your teeth, try these quick stress reduction tips:
1) Go for a walk
Exercise and nature do wonders for relieving stress.
2) Get a hobby
Get crafty and find a hobby you enjoy to help your mind think about something else besides work and your to-do list.
3) Practice meditation
Centering your body with stretches and breathing techniques helps melt away the stress.
4) Start a stress journal
Document your triggers, your reaction and the outcome. You may find you stress out unnecessarily.
5) Rediscover your sense of humor
Read a comedic book, watch a TV sitcom or tell funny jokes with your family. A sense of humor will get you a long way when you are stressed out.
There are many ways to help reduce your stress levels…the trick is finding something that works for you and practicing it. Make this a priority, and get back to having a good night’s sleep without giving your jaw a workout.
Do you have any great stress-reduction ideas? We’d love to hear them. Leave a comment below.
