I wanted to continue on the theme of last week's On-Track Tuesday where we looked at our Energy Drainers.

An Energy Drainer comes in all forms and it is good to identify what drains you, recognize the signs (ie. a tight throat) and then look for ways to be able to either remove yourself from a situation or address and fix what is draining you. Like I mentioned last week, it could even be the tools in your hands that drain you!

Some people bring unexpected lightness and comfort to your life. They crackle with energy, practically electrify you with their presence (These are a part of your Energy Boosting list that we will take a look at next week). And then there are those who leave you feeling stressed out and drained. After you spend time with them you just feel exhausted. We come across these types of people from time to time and hopefully when you are in their presence, you won't be with them for too long.

Some examples are those who feel the world is against them. They may be looking for us to acknowledge how hard it is for them. There is the "charmer" who talks alot and likes to be the centre of attention. Some people may look to others to blame. We have those who will always "one-up" us, where no matter what story you are sharing, it has happened to them and in a much worse way. We have the bossy ones, who need to control everyone's actions. Oh, I could go on!

These are just a few of the energy drainers that we may come across in our everyday life including our workplace, whether it be a patient or a co-worker!

The important thing is to recognize these "energy vampires" and look for ways to deal with them. Many times, it is on us and how we react to these types of people. If we try to not let them ruffle our feathers so much, perhaps less energy will be drained.

Here are a few things that may help when you are near an energy vampire:

- When you have a difficult patient, it does wonders when you are extra nice to them! You never know what is going on with them and you may just lift their spirit and help them get through their day!

- Walk away. No matter which type of energy drainer you're dealing with, you are allowed to walk away. Many of us find this really hard to do. We are afraid of being thought of as impolite and we don't want to offend people or bring attention to ourselves.

- The moment you feel zapped or stressed out, remember to take a breath. Breathing is so powerful and a wonderful way to centre yourself. There are different breathing techniques that you can use that will relax you quickly. Just follow the breath and tell yourself that you know what's happening and you can deal with it.

- Use your energy! You can imagine an energy shield around you and create a buffer. or picture an image that makes you happy and put yourself there, even if only for a few moments.

- Set boundaries. I often hear of dental hygienists feeling like they are being taken advantage of. Identify the situation and set the boundary that you will no longer do XYZ. As an example, the time you require for certain treatments, or working through lunch, etc. You can be vocal and set the boundaries that work for you.

- Step Back. Often when we step back and take a look at what type of people are aggravating us, often it is a trait that we may not like in ourselves. It could be something about you that you haven't quite worked out in yourself. It is interesting when you do look at this from a different lense how you can see those who bother you, perhaps have a similar trait as you.

Feel free to email info@rdhu.ca for the worksheet to identify your energy drainers. Next week we will look at what boosts our energy and ways we get more of it!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President