Be The Best Version of Yourself & Become a Better Clinician - The Aligned Hygienist
Be The Best Version of Yourself & Become a Better Clinician
Yoga Therapy

Be The Best Version of Yourself & Become a Better Clinician

become the best version of yourself

It’s time to start become the best version of ourselves and hold ourselves accountable for achieving this. In this article, I share three simple tips for dental professionals to become a better version of themselves, and get to the bottom line faster.

Although this post talks specifically to dental professionals, it’s extremely relevant for ALL OF US who believe that by becoming a better version of yourself, you become better at your work, in your business, and relationships.


What is the bottom line for dental practice owners? This article in Dentistry IQ talks about the importance of ergonomics for the companies bottom line but for the most part, it is simple: they want to make money, they want their patients to get good care and be pleased enough with their experience that they share it with all of their friends, and they want their employees to be happy.

And ultimately, as dental practitioners, that’s what we want too but how do we do that naturally and with ease?

Become the best version of yourself.

It’s as easy as that because when you are the best version of yourself:

  • Your patients get better care
  • Your patients feel more comfortable and leave happy
  • Your patients refer their friends and family to your practice
  • Your practice makes more money
  • Your practice and owner are happy

Let’s dive into the top 3 tips for becoming the best version of yourself so you can watch the ripple effect trickle out to your patients, team, practice, and relationships.


#1: Get Your Physical Health In Check

become the best version of yourself


A hygienist, or any employee and employer for the matter, who feels good physically vs. someone who has a bunch of areas of aches and pain, doesn’t feel connected to her body and doesn’t feel good about her body are two different patient experiences.

Whether we like to admit it or not, the way we take care of ourselves physically has a direct correlation to our patients experience, the way we interact with our team, and therefore the bottom line of the practice.
Here’s a few questions to help you dive a little bit deeper into this:

  • Do I have areas of aches, discomfort or pain that I’m actively trying to heal and address?
  • Am I taking time every day to connect to my physical body, even for a minute?
  • Am I taking time every day or every week to release tension built up, stretch, move and breathe?
  • Am I focusing on actively bringing balance into my body to counteract all of the sitting, bad posture and poor ergonomics I’m using?

Prioritize your physical health and watch the ripple effect take place throughout your office. I love this article in TodayRDH highlighting important parts for reclaiming your physical & mental well being.

Your physical health is important but I know that you don’t have a ton of time, that’s why I created Aligned, an affordable monthly membership program where you get unlimited access to prerecorded yoga therapy classes, with a ton of options for the office and on-the-go. Sign up and join the community here.

#2: Prioritize Your Mental and Emotional Health

become the best version of yourself

Stress has the ability to disconnect us from our bodies, our intuition, our ability to read people (your patients & doctor!). It effects the way we handle challenging situations and people.

The way we show up when we feel stressed, anxious and unhappy is completely different than how we would show up if we felt calm, centered and empowered. If you’re new to how your emotions are related to your mental health, this article is really insightful.

It’s time we stop blaming other people for our mental and emotional state, and start taking accountability for ourselves. I have so many practices to support stress, anxiety and empowering yourself inside my monthly membership, Aligned, you definitely have to check it out if you haven’t yet!

Here are a few questions and practices to help you find more clarity to become more balanced & less stressed throughout your life:

  • Learning different breathing practices that you can implement seamlessly into your day that help to keep your stress levels down and
  • Are you actively doing practices that support mental and emotional focus, clarity and balance?
  • What practices have you been wanting to try or ignoring that might help you feel more balanced?

Not only will you feel better and less stressed with each patient, but your communication to your team and patients are better, your patients get a better experience, and if any stressful situation comes up, you are more equipped to deal with it.


And the best part? When you feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally, it’s so much easier to not bring your work home.

And when you don’t take your work home with you, you feel more balanced, rested and ready for the next day.

This creates a new POSITIVE cycle of growth and evolution for you, your patients and the entire practice.


#3: Be More Grounded & Empowered By Becoming The Best Version of Yourself to Set the Tone For The Day


Whatever energy you are carrying and however you are feeling will be felt through the patient, whether they are consciously aware of it or not.
If you feel stressed, anxious and overwhelmed with a mind that’s racing all over the place and you go to get your patient with all of that energy stirring around, they will feel it. They won’t feel relaxed, calm or fully safe.

And the opposite is true – when you feel grounded, relaxed and present, your patient has a completely different experience.


Here’s a few tips for exploring ways to do this:

  • How am I showing up – when I get to work, when I seat my patient and when I talk to my patient?
  • What are some of the feelings/emotions/energy that I want to feel instead?
  • What practices and tools could I start to implement throughout my day that will help me feel this way and show up differently? 

You are so much more powerful than you realize. You have the power to feel any way you want to and create ANYTHING that you want to…

Tools for Becoming A Better You

become the best version of yourself

I’m inspired to help you become a better version of you–in your mind, body and life. I know that by making easy change to your routines, you will start to feel the difference. If you’re not familiar with my story and how I did this in my own life, I share my story here.

Start with one practice and focus on that aspect until it becomes a habit. According to NIH, our habits make better choices easier. Check out this article about Building Habits for more details.

  • How do you want to live your life?
  • How do you want to feel throughout your days?
  • What do you want to create from that place?

If you are feeling ready and empowered to start taking care of your physical and mental health but you need practices that are SHORT and EASY TO IMPLEMENT, check out Aligned. Aligned is my monthly yoga therapy & wellness membership where you have a collection of 100+ classes and practices on demand, weekly live classes and new trainings and discussions in community to keep you inspired and choosing health.

“I’m obsessed with this program!!! Aligned is the best membership I’ve ever joined. It’s the best of both world- live classes and so many recorded ones to scroll through, and I get to save the ones I want to go back to!!! It’s such a treat for my low back to have classes where I leave feeling more aware, less stressed and without pain! Thank you Caitlin!” – Rachael

Aligned is only $34/month but if you’re a dental professional, use the code “dental11” and receive 11% off every month as a gift to you! Check out all the details here & sign up if it feels like a fit!

I would love to hear how all of this lands for you, so feel free to leave a comment.

Cheering you on,

xo Caitlin

PS: If you have questions or want additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out with the form below!

    The Aligned Hygienist Program: Yoga & Ergonomics for
    Busy Dental Hygienists
    Ready to Thrive In & Out of The Op

    Are you a dental hygienist who’s ready to overcome or prevent chronic pain & injuries while mastering your ergonomics with ease and a proven system? Meet The Aligned Hygienist Program. 

    About the Author

    My name is Caitlin, I’m a chronic pain survivor, Certified Yoga Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist, and founder and CEO of Caitlin Parsons Yoga Therapy, a yoga therapy and wellness company. I recently made my dreams a reality by quitting my full-time job as a dental hygienist to pursue my passion and purpose helping others get back into alignment.

    Now I use my personal and professional experiences with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, and injury recovery to help women step back into their own alignment – in their bodies, minds and throughout their lives. I help empower women to create balance in their bodies and minds so they can access greater levels of freedom in their lives inside my monthly membership program (Aligned), group coaching program for hygienists (The Aligned Hygienist), a Yoga + Coaching Program for Dental Teams, and private yoga therapy coaching.

    I love to share my knowledge and expertise on mindfulness and therapeutic yoga for back pain through my blog and social media platforms as well as guest appearances on other inspiring and like-minded podcasts.

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    Curious about the different ways I support Dental Professionals?

    Client Success Stories

    Cary

    “I started working with Caitlin because I was tired of being in pain all the time and had learned about yoga therapy from a friend. I had such bad hip pain, it hurts to sit down, get up, exercise and walk around. The pain moved down my leg sometimes and up into my low back.

    Now I feel amazingly strong, am able to actually bend down and reach my shoes so I can tie them! I gained an immense amount of strength in my hips as well as have learned many things I can do on my own to keep going in the right direction.  I really enjoyed the one on one time!  And the fact that Caitlin came to my house was amazing. I had no excuses to not show up for myself and the results paid off! I have already recommended Caitlin to my friends and will continue to do so.” – Cary

    Ania

    “I started working with Caitlin because I had recently gotten surgery from a brain tumor. I had very little mobility in my shoulder and arm. I was concerned that the lack of mobility, discomfort and reduced strength would increase chances for more pain and injury. Working with Caitlin was amazing, I would recommend her personal approach to anyone. She is dedicated to her work, has great knowledge and communication. Caitlin does a wonderful job guiding you back to your body and yourself.” – Ania

    Russ M.

    “I started working with Caitlin because I had chronic low back pain and regular flare-ups. I was told by multiple doctors that I would always be in pain and my posture would never improve unless I had surgery. The pain got so bad that I couldn’t play volleyball anymore, which created a negative spiral in my mood, energy and throughout my life. The results I got with Caitlin was amazing. I no longer have chronic pain or chronic acid reflux which I was on medication for.  I’m much healthier and happier now than I ever have been!”  – Russ M.

    Donna

    “I started working with Caitlin because I had neck pain, shoulder pain, neck congestion and ringing in my ears. I was working a lot, taking care of my family, and I was beginning to spiral downwards in a state of stress and pain. With all of that, life became a chore. I wanted to learn how to take care of myself so I could live a happy life and take care of my responsibilities from a place of joy, not dread. I wanted to get my neck to a place where it wasn’t painful and tightening every time I was stressed.

    Now I no longer have neck pain or tightness, I’m stressed and ear ringing has greatly reduced. My body feels so much better as a whole. Caitlin helped me find peace. Caitlin has an innate sense of knowing how to tailor each session to fit how I’m feeling in my body and what I need. Caitlin helped me change the way I react to stress; now I’m more mindful of my reactions and the way I take care of my body. I’m stronger in my body and mind now which has positively affected my entire life.” – Donna M.

    Hayley

    “I started working with Caitlin because I was completely disconnected from my body because of a genetic disease, having constant, chronic pain, extreme trouble sleeping and anxiety living in my own skin. I wanted to feel better- I wanted to have less pain and have a better quality of life–building strength and reconnecting with my body were a bonus. Working with Caitlin exceeded my expectations- I sleep so much better now and my pain has improved significantly. I’m less anxious and have practices to help when my symptoms flare. I’m more grounded and embodied, I have a daily yoga practice that continues to build on the foundation Caitlin helped me create.

    Caitlin is incredible, she validated me and helped me work on my whole self. She customized everything to work specifically for me. I 100%  recommend working with Caitlin. She believed that healing was possible and she held that vision for me and brought it to each session, and eventually I believed and embodied it too. She helped me find the power in every single baby step towards a more whole and healthy life, and I am completely transformed by it. This work isn’t the quick fix, it’s deep, holistic, soul-led healing.” – Hayley

    Joan

    “Working with Caitlin was the best thing I ever did for myself. I thought that I would always have pain because I’ve done so many things to try and help but they haven’t worked, until yoga therapy with Caitlin. Now I am living with less pain, my posture has improved, I am getting stronger, and my clothes are getting looser.” – Joan

    Kim Ponzio

    “Before I came to Caitlin, I was taking Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis like clockwork. I would skip going to the pool or out with my family after work due to the pain in my body. I was very depressed and isolating myself from activities that I really enjoy doing with my family and friends. I had pain on a daily basis in my lower back, shoulder blades, hips and left knee. Some days I had so much pain and inflammation in my body I felt like I couldn’t make it through the day.

    Since starting FTF I am slowly starting to get control of my pain and inflammation through the online program one-on-one sessions with Caitlin. Inflammation is decreasing, I’m sitting up taller and I’m more aware of my posture both at work and in my daily routines outside of work. I am no longer having to take Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis and I am able to walk longe distances without pain in my knees. “

    Russel

    “I never thought I would get out of back, knee, and postural pain. I also have a curvature in my back that I have been told most of my life cannot be changed. When I came to Caitlin, I wasn’t playing my favorite sport and I was miserable at work. Even doing simple things was really painful. Caitlin completely personalizes her services based on your needs. She takes considerable time to answer all of my questions and targets my sessions for exactly what I need that day and what my goals are. Caitlin always asks me what is going on and listens really well. She is a wealth of knowledge about yoga, human anatomy, and how humans should move. No two sessions are the same. We changed the way I move while doing simple things like sitting in a car or at my desk, putting dishes away and bending over to clean dog poop so that my back is protected from re-injury. I am healing my back partly to return to playing volleyball. I now understand how to be in my volleyball stances and movements so that I can avoid injury when I get back to playing. I am already standing up much straighter and feel more confident. I never thought I would feel this good in my body and I am so wow-ed by Caitlins mastery of her craft.” – Russel

    Dan Greco

    “Caitlin really knows how to curate yoga program for sustainable strengthening. My shoulders and core used to be weaknesses but after a few sessions I see my posture has improved and the range of motion in my shoulders. She’s caring, fun, and a pleasure to work with. I’d recommend her to anyone interested in trying yoga therapy.”

    Site Optimization Manager

    Tracy Ring

    “Caitlin is fantastic. I’ve gone to many of her classes, specifically those with a focus on healthy backs. I’ve worked with her as a therapist on issues I have with my neck and shoulders from work. She’s patient, attentive and offers focused one-on-one sessions. The exercises I’ve done really help me combat the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day, highly recommend working with this lovely and professional woman!!”

    Senior Administrative Assistant

    Aly

    “Caitlin has helped me grow and learn a lot about myself. She helped me realize the strong power of breath when I was over stressed and unaware of my mental needs. Caitlin helped me focus my energy, both good and bad, on my breath. With every deep inhale and cleansing exhale, I felt my stress and anxiety lessen and lessen. Eight years later, my main mantra is to ‘just breathe.’ It has literally changed my life. Along with the power of breath, Caitlin has helped me keep a constant awareness of how I physically hold myself. Not only has my posture changed, but I have also become stronger and my confidence has increased. I recently began running and was having pain in my hip and side leg. Through working with Caitlin, my pain subsided. She put together an easy to follow yoga sequence that helped my muscles and ligaments heal. I fully trust in Caitlin as a yoga professional, and recommend her gentle way of teaching to anyone.”

    Dental Hygienist & Photographer

    Jade 

    “This program has been so amazing for my pain. In just one class, my neck and shoulder tension released more than it has in years. This program has been so instrumental in managing and controlling my stress. It’s so easy to be “on the hamster wheel”. I look forward to my yoga time and meditation and have noticed a huge difference in my pain level. My family has even noticed my calmer demeanor. I couldn’t believe how much my pain was linked to my stress.”

    RDH
    Read More

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