Smile More This Holiday Season

When you think Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you think sales on technology, gadgets, games and other indulgences. But don’t forget about the things that really matter – there’s no better present than the gift of great health.

Healthy gifts can be something we give to ourselves and others. A good place to start is by reducing stress, which impacts the entire body – even your smile!

Our bodies respond to stress much as they would respond to an imminent physical threat. Hearts beat faster, blood pressure rises. An overabundance of adrenaline can lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can result in broken, chipped and cracked teeth. Dry mouth, another common symptom of stress, can lead to tooth decay as saliva helps to keep the mouth free of food debris. Stress can also result in headaches, upset stomachs, sleep disorders and weakened immune systems.

Sixty-two percent of people experience high levels of stress during the holidays, according to the American Psychological Association, who has a dedicated Holiday Stress Resource Center for those in need of a little help getting through the season. Among the primary holiday stressors: financial demands family dynamics and not being able to maintain health habits such as exercise and healthy eating.

Managing Holiday Stress

Here are some tips to help you have a calmer, happier holiday:

Find meaning - Think about what matters to you at this time of year and do as much of it as possible. Taking the time to do things with the people that we love is more likely to make everyone happier than piles of gifts. Create a new holiday tradition or reconnect with the experiences that made the holiday special for you in the past: children’s books, holiday shows, hot chocolate, baking cookies … whatever evokes that sense of magic.

Take a deep breath - If you know that you are prone to getting particularly stressed out around the holidays, research some coping techniques now. The American Institute of Stress suggests “focused” deep breathing as the single “Super Stress Buster” that works for everyone.

Have a plan - Black Friday is quickly becoming Black November – an entire month of deals and savings. Your best time to score a deal is through Thanksgiving week. Keep an eye out for sales the Wednesday before (especially in the evening) and the morning of Thanksgiving. The best way to know about the deals is to sign up for emails/texts at your favorite retailers and follow them on social media too.

Stay Healthy - Get the sleep, healthy food and exercise that you need to feel good. The better you feel physically, the more likely you are to be able to cope with increased stress around the holidays. If you’re struggling with depression, reach out and get support if you need it.

Treat yourself - Now’s the time to grab deals on things that will help you take good care of you. A membership to a health club, sports equipment, a great pair of workout shoes, a Dental Savings Plan … get them on sale now and help yourself feel great all through 2020 and beyond.

Dental Savings Plans offer discounts of 10%-60% on dental care costs at thousands of dentists and dental specialists nationwide. And there are no annual spending limits, restrictions on how soon or often you can get dental care, or deductibles to worry about. Find out more about Dental Savings Plans now at DentalPlans.com.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale: Save 25% on all Dental Savings Plans from Nov. 27 - Dec. 3 at www.dentalplans.com.

About DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings online marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives. www.dentalplans.com.

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