Relax, You Deserve It: Celebrating National Relaxation Day as a Dental Hygienist

Let’s be real: dental hygiene is demanding. Long hours, high expectations, back-to-back patients, and the physical toll of being hunched over in PPE, it all adds up.

At Progressive Edge, we know how hard hygienists and dental professionals work. We also know how easy it is to prioritize productivity over peace, even when your body and mind are begging for a break.

That’s why on August 15, National Relaxation Day we’re waving the flag for work-life balance and reminding you that rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Why Work-Life Balance Is Non-Negotiable in Dentistry

Dental professionals are some of the most at-risk workers for burnout, repetitive strain injuries, and mental fatigue. The “go-go-go” nature of the job doesn’t just impact your physical health, it can also affect your mood, sleep, and overall happiness.

Whether you’re an RDH, dentist, assistant, or support staff, you can’t pour from an empty cup. The better you take care of yourself, the better care you can provide your patients.

At Progressive Edge, we don’t just talk about ergonomic scalers and better workflows, we also advocate for balance, boundaries, and breathing room.

5 Ways to Relax After a Busy Week in the Op

Looking for ways to unwind after a week full of double bookings and chart notes? Here are five simple ways to reconnect with yourself and recharge:

1. Book a Massage (and actually go)

Your hands and shoulders take a beating during the week, release that tension with a therapeutic massage or cupping session.

2. Do a Tech Detox

Put your phone away, close the laptop, and give your eyes (and mind) a break from screens for a few hours.

3. Get Outside

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a full-on hike, or lounging in the backyard, fresh air can reset your nervous system in a big way.

4. Move Your Body Gently

Yoga, stretching, or even a dance break in your living room, movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective.

5. Set a No-Chores Zone

Create a few hours (or a full day) where laundry, cleaning, and errands are off-limits. Let your brain and your to-do list rest.

3 Canadian Hot Spots for the Ultimate Relaxing Weekend Getaway

Need more than just a few hours off?

Here are three dreamy Canadian destinations for the perfect unplugged weekend retreat:

1. Kananaskis Nordic Spa – Alberta

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, this outdoor hydrotherapy spa is famous for its hot-cold-relax cycle, saunas, steam cabins, and mountain air.
Best for: Deep physical and mental reset in nature.
Stay: Book a night at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and enjoy spa access right next door.

2. Scandinave Spa – Blue Mountain, Ontario

Nestled in the forest near Collingwood, this spa offers silence, serenity, and hot baths surrounded by trees. A no-talking rule keeps the energy grounded and peaceful.
Best for: Releasing stress and finding true stillness.
Stay: Try a cozy Airbnb or a night at The Westin Trillium House.

3. Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland

If you’re ready for the ultimate luxury-meets-solitude experience, Fogo Island is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. Wild landscapes, architectural beauty, and a deep sense of calm.
Best for: Total disconnection and creative inspiration.
Stay: The iconic Fogo Island Inn, if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot.

Rest Is a Radical Act of Self-Respect

Taking time to relax isn’t lazy… it’s essential. Whether you’re treating yourself to a full weekend getaway or just carving out a quiet evening to breathe, know that rest is a powerful part of your professional success.

This National Relaxation Day, we hope you find a moment (or many) to pause, reset, and remember: You are more than what you do in a day.

P.S.

We may be in the business of sharpening scalers, but we’re also big believers in sharpening your boundaries and preserving your peace.

Here’s to staying sharp and staying sane.