Going to the dentist is really not easy for most us of. Too often the experience was at least uncomfortable, sometimes even even excruciating and that’s why we would like to stay away from future visits. But we all know that in the long run we should face our fears, better than shying away from them and giving them more and more power over us. So maybe it is a better way to prepare yourself. I love the culinary term „mis en place“ which describes the chefs‘ practice to put every little spoon and scraper in its place before he starts to cook, so that it takes most of the stress and chaos out of the process of preparing a lot of meals under time pressure.
How about we do the same for situations that we fear or are stressed out by? The evening before a stressful visit to the dentist, prepare yourself a calming essential oil spray with some water, lavender and orange essential oil, load the diffuser with water and put it in place so that you only need to add some drops of lemon, lavender or orange to the water the next morning and let it run while you start you morning routine. Pick a nice soundtrack to chill your nerves at home and at the dentists‘ and take something really nice to read with you, so that you might even enjoy sitting in the waiting room. Also prepare a nice outfit to wear that makes you feel better than usual.
In a 2005 study scientists found out, that being exposed to orange and lavender essential oils made patients who were actually literally waiting for a dental treatment remarkably less anxious than the control group. So there is hope!
Be well and see you soon!