I love oral.
Oral care, that is. Flossing, in particular.
In fact, thanks to a new year’s commitment, I haven’t missed a single day of flossing in 2019.
Whether I was on a business trip in London, attending a wedding in Germany, wandering the streets of France, or visiting my friends and family in America, I always made sure to floss before I went to bed. It hasn’t mattered if it was 9 p.m. (good boy, Ian) or 3 a.m. (bad boy, Ian). I always gave my chompers the TLC they deserved.
While oral care is all fine and good, I’ve noticed some interesting “knock on” affects brought on by this new habit.
First, it’s further cleaned up my nutrition. “All that junk food will make flossing harder,” I think to myself. So, I abstain from that caramel-filled candy bar.
Second, it’s helped me stick to a daily schedule, with some exceptions for things like events or travel. I’m usually in bed at a reasonable hour each night, because if I wait too long, I’ll be too tired and might skip flossing. So, I pick an earlier bedtime which – you guessed it – has helped me get better, more consistent sleep.
Third, it’s helped program a “shutdown event” into my day. Cal Newport talks about this in his book “Deep Work;” essentially, it’s a ritual or habit that – once performed – signals the end of your day. For me, this is flossing. Once I’ve flossed, I’m getting my booty into bed.
Finally, and most obviously, flossing every night earned me a smile and a nod from my dentist at my last appointment. “Your gums look great,” she said. No more awkward exchanges where I try to explain that I kinda floss, kinda don’t, well there was that one time last year, oh, and not on days that end in “-y,” yadda yadda yadda.
In short, one small, nightly habit that takes me all of three minutes has had significantly positive “knock on” effects in other areas of my life. I wasn’t thinking about these things when I put string to enamel. They just… happened.
So… What little daily habits can YOU look at incorporating that might have similar knock on effects?
Maybe you could fill up a water bottle at night and leave it in the fridge for the morning. Drink it as soon as you wake up.
Perhaps, after lunch, you can take a short, 5-10 minute walk around your building or outside instead of going right back to work (it’s not going anywhere – I promise).
Maybe you’re prone to snacking on whatever’s around during the day? Buy some healthy “convenience foods” – think almonds, protein bars, or fruit – and toss them in your bag to have in case hunger strikes.
These small habits and behaviours – even if they seem inconsequential – can have big payoffs.
Your morning water helps jolt you awake, hydrate you, and staves off hunger and cravings that might make you reach for a less-than-desirable snack as you rush out the door. It’s a healthy, momentum-building “win.”
Your 5-10 minute walk after lunch incorporates movement into your day, helps you get fresh air, and clears your mind so you’re ready and raring to work when you return.
Your protein bar will prove to be a healthy, filling alternative to junk food snacks. Plus, protein helps keep you full and is thermogenic – meaning it takes more energy to digest. This is great if we want to build healthy, sexy bodies.
These are just a few ideas and examples – I’m sure you can come up with plenty more to fit your lifestyle.
Maybe try flossing?
Love ya lots.
Ian
This post was originally published on September 19th, 2019
Ian Estabrook 