All posts by Beth Berger

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About Beth Berger

Hi there! Finding Delight is a lifestyle and lifelong learning blog written and curated by me in Alabama. Along the way, I attempt to tackle the rough real world with books, budget-livin', brainpower and all the beautiful stuff you can find when you really look. Won't you join me? The true delight is in the finding out.

How I Plan to Put My 2019 Goals into Action

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Hello friends! Welcome back to my blog. My name is Beth, if you are new here. I recently shared my 2019 Resolutions and I wanted to expand on this topic in today’s post.

Today I’m going to discuss some specific strategies I’m planning to employ in order to meet my 2019 goals. The new year is such a wonderful time to reflect on the positive changes we’d love to make and the new habits we’d like to adopt. But without a plan for how to stick to these changes, implement new habits, and actually…ya know…FOLLOW THROUGH, we run the risk of setting the same resolutions year after year after year. Know what I mean?

I’m definitely guilty of getting hung up in that little no man’s land between conception and action. I love research and planning and thinking things through. Maybe you’re the same way?

Well then dear friends, let’s do this together! Let’s make a plan and get shit done! Shall we?

Here are some ideas about how to follow through on our 2019 resolutions…

Outline Steps to Success

For each of my resolutions, I’m coming up with a plan of attack that I need to complete in order to succeed.

Integral to this process has been establishing a 2019 GOALS NOTEBOOK. I wrote out each of my resolutions, with blank pages left in between so that I can outline my steps.

It would be really easy to list one of my resolutions as “eat healthier”…and leave it at that. Instead, after my Whole30 reintroduction process, I plan to sit down with my notebook and map out what foods my body best jives with.

For my resolutions about spending more time growing my business and creating materials for this blog, I’m working on defining a schedule and setting due dates.

This gives my brain something concrete to work with so I know what I need to do to reach the end goal.

Schedule for Success

I’ve mentioned before that I really love to approach my day like a puzzle. (It’s why I love planners like this one.) Figuring out how the various pieces fit together to maximize my day and productivity is something I enjoy.

So, with that in mind, I’m not only making it a point to schedule in time for planning out how to achieve my goals…but then using that time to stick those plans into my schedule! Still with me?

For example, today I had a few minutes to devote to my “2019 notebook” and I sketched out a workout plan for February.

THEN…I grabbed my planner and scheduled my workouts for the first week of that month.

I can do the same thing when I make plans for quality time with my husband or writing postcards to friends or deep cleaning once a week.

When I schedule something, I’m making a COMMITMENT. Like, that shit is engraved in my calendar IN PEN (and hell, might even be highlighted!). Commitments are exactly what I need in this, the year of COMMIT!

Connecting with Others

Sharing this process publicly is a nice, healthy dose of accountability! I really, really want to make these things work…because I’m talking about them openly. I definitely think there’s something to be said for our good ol’ internet-age//social media-riddled lives when it comes to this stuff.

However, I also think sharing my goals and the process privately, with trusted loved ones in my life, is also important. This is where I can seek out encouragement (or more realistically…a good kick in the butt when I get lazy) as well as fresh perspectives when and if I get stuck.

Connecting with Self

We’re only about 1/12th of the way through the year. And while I’m still feeling pretty fired up about making the most of 2019, I can’t guarantee I’m going to feel this same way every minute of the next 11 months. So staying inspired is equally important as making and talking about plans.

That’s why my notebook isn’t just for lists and steps and action plans. I also created sections for journaling and mantras and a vision board (!) and quotes.

I want to stay connected to the reasons I set these intentions. These reasons are what gives the process power and purpose.

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I hope you found these ideas helpful for planning your own 2019 “follow through.” If you would like some encouragement, motivation, or just want to type your intentions out for someone/anyone to see; LEAVE ME A COMMENT BELOW!

Do you have any specific strategies that have helped you stick to goals? Leave those below, too.

Here’s to achieving our goals in 2019! xoxo

mid-week round-up

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What are you up to these days? My husband is presenting at a conference in Florida this weekend and I’m lucky enough to be able to tag along. We booked a tiny home(!) through Airbnb which I am ridiculously excited about. Would you guys be interested in a post with pics when I get back? Not sure what else we’ll get into while we’re down there, but I’m looking forward to a little change of pace for a few days. Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, and here are some links to peruse…

How organizational guru Marie Kondo gets it done.

In lieu of a cocktail hour, this couple arranged for wedding guests to play with kittens.

Who are the Golden Girls of Prospect Cemetery?

“I know a colonizer when I see one.”

A round-up of yummy Whole30 recipes.

[Related: What I ate during my first Whole30.]

How do you draw an X? (I’m #7.)

A seriously glow-y day/night skincare set, if you’re looking for some pampering.

Eight homes of a 13-year-old former foster kid.

Everything around him burned. He stayed put.

Excited to read this book when it comes out.

[Related: The author’s YouTube channel is all about being in an interabled relationship.]

Lee Friedlander’s intimate portraits of his wife, through 60 years of marriage.

Finally, Mary Oliver (RIP) reading Wild Geese.

P.S. A few Finding Delight posts you may have missed — Five Great Poetry Books and 3 Tips for Brides-To-Be.

A Tour of My New Pocket Letter Box

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For Christmas this year, my mom gave me the sweetest gift… My grandma’s old sewing box!! She left some of the bits and bobs that had been inside for sewing, but also filled it to the brim with new pocket letter materials. Am I spoiled or what?!

Wanna take a look inside?

Here’s the tray on top…

and below that, MORE GOODIES!

Washi…

Embellishments…

Stickers…

Ephemera…

Plus, 2 collections (and 1 bonus kit!) from my favorite Etsy shop, Peachy Skeen…

I could spend hours scrolling through all the vintage collections in this shop. Highly recommend checking it out if you like pocket letters, planning, pen pals, etc. I got a collection with a purple theme and one that was farm-themed!

Here’s the shop’s card if you want more info…

My mom is the absolute best for putting together such a lovely gift. I love that it is a treasured heirloom, but updated in such a fun way! I know that making things with the supplies inside will bring me so much joy. ❤

Now then, who wants a pocket letter???

Did you get anything fun and unexpected for Christmas? 

Do or Don’t: Out of Office

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Any freelancers out there struggle with actually putting up an “Out of Office” message? Even when I go out of town, I still like to be available to my clients, and because I work remotely anyway, continue to work as much as feels right.

If I still worked in an office, my message would look something like this…

Subject: Beth’s out of the office
Hi there,

I will be out of the office from December 23rd through December 27th.

If you need immediate assistance during my absence, please contact my associate, Will (email HERE). Otherwise I will respond to your emails as soon as possible upon my return.

Warm Regards,
Beth

But that just doesn’t feel quite right when working from home/for myself. (I mean…I don’t have an office to be out of and I also don’t have any associates.)

Inspired by this post on Normal Happenings, here’s that same message in a (goofy) Shakespearean style.

Subject: Elizabethan O.of O. from Elizabeth
Good Morrow Thither,

I wilt beest out of the office from December 23rd through December 27th.

If ‘t be true thee needeth immediate assistance during mine absence, please contact mine associate, William Shakespeare. Otherwise I wilt respond to thy correspondence with expedience upon mine noble return.

Your most dutiful friend and servant,
Elizabeth

Every day, Normal Happenings posts a writing prompt for appreciating daily life. They call them “Daily Inklings.” I’m so glad I was tagged in this particular “Daily Inkling” because it really got me thinking about how difficult it can be to take a break from your inbox when you work a less traditional job.

I’d love to make it a goal in 2019, to take  time off where I actually set up an out of office! What do you think? Any tips on what it should say?

This option would be cute —

Subject: Vacation’s all I ever wanted 🏖️
Whoops! You caught my inbox while I’m on vacation so I won’t be opening this bad boy up until July 22. If your message is urgent, please reach out by phone. K, Bye!

This one…maybe not ballsy enough for quite yet —

Subject: Sending you this out-of-office from my “office”
Thank you so much for your email.

Technically I’m out of office this week. However, since I work remotely… my out of office IS my office. Very confusing, I know. Anywho, I’ll be working through these emails in the order they appear in my inbox once I’m back at it on October 14th. (So, quit hitting reply! It just pushes you further down the line.)

Talk soon,
Beth

What are your thoughts on OUT OF OFFICE messages? Would you take a crack at writing one in the style of a famous author?

P.S. If you’re a blogger, check out the INKLINGS over on Normal Happenings! Their daily prompts are always thought provoking and a great way to bust through writer’s block. 🙂

mid-week round-up

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What are you up to this week? I’m feeling a bit of food fatigue on this round of Whole 30. Have you ever done one and felt this way. I’ve been eating the same things for two weeks and it is time to switch it up. Excited to try deconstructed egg rolls tonight! Hope you’re having a great Wednesday, and here’s a little afternoon diversion for your reading pleasure…

Life online in China, Cuba, India, and Russia.

Hari and Tommy are living the rom-com of our dreams.

25 new year’s resolutions you can actually keep.

So much cute decor if you’re going for a farmhouse vibe.

The iPhone app Notes has become the medium of choice for celebrity mea culpas.

Ellen DeGeneres and the limits of relatability.

What’s up next for the lunar surface?

For all your upcoming Valentine’s pocket letters or planner spreads. (WHAT?!)

Your life choices aren’t just about what you want to do; they’re about who you want to be.

The 20 best TV dramas since “The Sopranos.”

Our obsession with taking photos is changing how we remember the past.

Finally…WOW. I have so many questions.

P.S. A few Finding Delight posts you may have missed — Podcast Recommendation and Photos From the Edge of the World.

Health-Boosting Foods to Eat this Winter!

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health-boosting foods to eat in the winter*This post may contain affiliate links.

After three winters in South Florida, I’d almost forgotten how inevitable the cold and flu season is up in this part of the country. For all the traffic, mosquitoes, and … boob sweat (yeah, I said it) — I’ll give Miami one thing; my immune system was *BLINGING* in that climate.

Between our holiday travels, I came down with a nasty cold that didn’t seem to clear for what felt like weeks. (And because I’m nothing if not dramatic, of course I turned to WebMD…which basically said I needed a CT scan…leading me to Google, “can CT scans cause cancer?” You know the drill, lol.)

Anywho…enough about my brush with death, *ahem* I mean, cold. I attribute my recuperation to this Whole 30 I’m currently undertaking, which has included an uptick in health-boosting foods.

I’m resolved to keep consuming a plethora of the following categories all winter long…

Eat Your Omega 3’s

Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are found in a ton of food types; including nuts,  seeds and fish as well. Omega 3 is vital if you want to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Eating foods filled with Omega 3’s may help to boost the immune system by enhancing the functioning of immune cells. 

Recipes:
Slow-Roasted Salmon
Ginger-Garlic Tofu
Cherry Crumble

Eat Your Fiber

Soluble fiber is essential to your body. You can find it in fruits and veg, nuts and even oats. Consuming fiber-rich dishes is a fantastic way to decrease inflammation and boost your immune system. Soluble fiber can also reduce your cholesterol levels. 

Recipes:
Lentil Salad
Maple-Cinnamon Applesauce
Overnight Oatmeal

Eat Your Orange and Greens

Eating vegetables and fruits that are dark green or orange in color is great for winter. They are packed with all sorts of micro-nutrients to keep you healthy during this season. Think: spinach, kale, squash, carrots, and oranges.

Recipes:
Simplest Kale Salad
Stuffed Butternut Squash
Orange and Avocado Salsa

Eat Your Spices

Onions, ginger and garlic are perfect for adding a bit of flavor to a dish. Not only do they make food taste great, but they are also ideal for boosting immune function. Turmeric is another spice to throw into your winter rotation. Used in Indian and Chinese medicine, it is great for boosting your immune system. It can also help with heart disease and inflammation. It’s super versatile, and whenever you’re making a warm, comforting dish, it is the perfect addition.

Recipes:
Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls
Scallion-Ginger Broth
Sunshine Smoothie

What are YOUR thoughts on food as medicine? What dishes are you cooking up to stay healthy this winter? I’d love to know! xoxo

Can Using Crystals Really Boost Your Happiness and Well-being?

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*This post may contain affiliate links.

Chances are you’ve spotted a crystal or two when scrolling through Instagram. After all, you can’t shake a stick at a carefully curated coffee table without running into a chunk of rose quartz.

And if you listen to my podcast, than you know how on-board celebrities seem to be for these shiny pieces of decor.

But, and not to get all woo-woo on you guys, I’ve often wondered if there was more than meets the eye when it comes to crystals. So many folks espouse their ability to heal, affect well-being, and even emit a since of inner tranquility. I’ve gotta admit…I’m down for all three of those things. But is this all the placebo effect, a passing fad, WITCHCRAFT? Let’s find out.

Crystals tend to be semi-precious stones with striking colors, patterns, or textures. But even in all their beauty, they are intrinsically natural. As such, many argue they embrace the life-giving elements of the universe and inherently connect us to the Earth we live on. 

Here are 3 applications of crystals I looked into…

Holistic Therapy

The world can work in mysterious and wonderful ways and you don’t always have to have solid evidence in order to benefit from something positive. (As in, “I don’t care how it happened, I’m just glad I feel awesome!”) Holistic therapy broadly, and using healing crystals specifically, is an example of this. 

Here’s an example one crystal believer told me about:
“Crystals can serve as the physical manifestation of your intentions. You hold onto them and use them to “hold” or represent the things you want in the world — like to feel more at peace or find love. Many people will then hold the crystal close to them near their skin, perhaps in crystal necklaces or in a pocket. This helps your intention vibrate in reality.”

The type of stone that you choose depends entirely on what you want to accomplish. Different stones have different properties, but some of the most popular stones include:

  • Clear Quartz – Clears negative energy. 
  • Rose Quartz – Is the “love” stone, a great choice if you’re looking for romance.
  • Tiger Eye – Offers protection and can help to give you confidence and courage.
  • Sunstone – Combats feelings of sadness.

But do they work?
“I think it’s less about any sort of magical powers the crystals may have and more about truly identifying what you want and need. If I’m feeling blue and I carry around a Sunstone in my pocket, throughout my day I’m going to be constantly reminded that happiness is a possibility that exists in my reality–and that’s a powerful thing.”

Meditating With Crystals

Meditating can improve your sense of well-being on it’s own. It encourages you to dedicate a portion of your day to letting go of stress and worries, focusing on your breath, and just BEING.

So, if you find that meditation is benefiting you, can you throw crystals in the mix and achieve a deeper meditative state? One of my favorite yogis and meditation rockstars says, absolutely! Here’s how she does it —
“I gather up stones that represent the properties I want to focus on that day. Then, I lie down on a flat surface and place the chosen stones over my chakras. Once I’ve got everything all set up, I close my eyes and remain as still as possible.” 

Essentially, instead of just focusing on your breathing as you would with any other meditation, you also focus on the properties of each of the stones you are using. Again, as with the example above, you have physical reminders to guide your focus. As someone whose mind wanders a lot in meditation, I can see how physically feeling the weight of a rock on your chest or forehead would gently nudge you back on track.

I definitely wanna give this one a try, but balancing a bunch of stones on my body seems like a lot…
“Totally. Some people prefer to meditate sitting up or just find it easier to focus on one thing at a time. Just hold your chosen crystal in your hands as you meditate in your usual manner.”

Crystals in Writing

If you’re the type of person who likes to put pen to paper when making your plans, another application I learned about was to incorporate these written items into your crystal process. Create your lists, notes, and writing as usual.  But when doing so, write as if these plans are already so. That they’ve already happened. Write that you are doing well, that you do have what you want. Root for this energy and place crystals on top of your finished work.

“Your crystals should work like batteries, charging your positive energy. I believe this method can work for folks who are a bit more analytical…they want to sketch things out for themselves, not just attribute a certain feeling or emotion to a stone. Instead, they can create their end goal and the crystal just gives it a little turbocharge, haha!”

Don’t you just love that imagery! But, I’m wondering…would this also work for say, other types of writing?

“How do you think I got through my MFA?”

Noted.

***

Do you have crystals? Have you ever used them in the ways described above? I’d love to hear! xoxo

My New Year’s Resolutions

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Happy 2019, y’all! We’ve made it through the first chunk of the month and I’m happy to report that I’ve successfully done yoga every day and stuck through the beginning week of the Whole 30 (if you’ve done one you know those first few days are the hardest part!).

As far as shorter-term goals and January resets go, I’d say I’m doing pretty ok. 🙂

But today I’d like to talk about some of my other goals for the year…

Health and Fitness

30 Day Challenges – I’ve talked about fitness challenges a ton on the blog, but here we are again. In 2019 I’d love to find a few new and exciting challenges to participate in. But when not participating, I want to work on listening to my body about the type of workout it needs.

Fitness Tracker – I got a fitness tracker in December and finally set it up the other day! (baby steps lol) I want to experiment with the best ways to use it — maybe identifying a “steps” goal or finding a fun response to the inactivity alerts!

Whole 30 – Actually sticking to a plan after Whole 30 reintegrations. Should I work to completely eliminate dairy? Less gluten? I want to pay close attention to my body when reintegrating foods to see what changes I should make long-term. 

Household

Work Closet – I have a closet in my office that has sort of become a dumping ground. I don’t just want to clean it, I want to figure out a cool organizational system.

Wall Art – We have all sorts of beautiful wall decor that I will put off ever hanging until the day I die because I get so worried about not liking how and where it is hung. I need to divorce myself from the outcome (hi, just because there’s a nail in the wall doesn’t mean it is permanent!) and just do it.

Power Hours – When we moved into our new house in Alabama, I implemented a cleaning practice that I’d love to stick with in 2019. I have a list of cleaning chores that take me about an hour to complete. So, every Thursday at 11am I bang ‘em out. I’d like to create a similar system for deep cleaning something different once a week…so I’ll throw that here, too.

Work

Website – I have a fairly full plate of clients, and in the past garnering new clients has usually been accomplished through word of mouth (ie. client a brings in client b). But this might not always be the case! Perhaps it is time to put together a website dedicated to my freelance work? (I know, I know…it’s ridiculous that I don’t have one already BUT see next goal…)

Time Optimization (Clients vs Self) – I always feel as though my time is better served growing my clients’ brands and businesses. In 2019, I need to find a better balance between working to build my own business and projects and taking on client work.

Offline Strategy – Like my fitness tracker, this is definitely a research phase resolution. But I think long-term success working from home is going to necessitate throwing a few things against the wall in this arena and seeing what sticks.

Marriage

Enneagram – Last year we identified our enneagrams. (I’m a 9, he’s a 1.) To kick off 2019, we’ve decided we’re going to read up on each other’s numbers to learn more about how the other ticks, best communication practices, and better conflict resolution. We have this book and would highly recommend it.

Sharing the Mundane – My husband definitely takes on more of the mundane, administrative tasks and decision making in our household and I’d love to work towards taking more of this off his plate.

Quality Time – More outings together, more adventures together, more travel together!

Self-Care

Quality Time – Like the resolution above but for me, myself, and I! Doing things outside the home that are just for me? Crazy, I know. Errands do not count, lol.

Non-TV Activities – More free-time activities that aren’t TV — walks, reading, pocket letters, decorating, organizing, writing, playing outside, etc, etc…you get the idea. I watch too much tv.

Travel – I have a few shorter trips planned in Quarter 1 of 2019 but I’d love to fill up my calendar with adventures short and long(er)! Since moving out of South Florida, we are within driving distance of so much more. I’m feeling the wanderlust this year already. Where should we go?

Blogging

Batch Writing Posts – I’d love to approach writing posts in a new way this year. I’d like to set aside a few hours every other week to write a bunch of posts all at once. I’ve talked to a bunch of bloggers recently about this and it seems it really helped them all stick to a consistent posting schedule while freeing up time throughout the week for other things. I also think it would be some nice me-time to head to a coffee shop or my local library and spend the afternoon writing without any other distractions.

Book Club – When I first started Finding Delight, I did a series of posts that were basically like a virtual book club. I would spend a month on a book and post 4 times throughout the month with my thoughts, extended reading, links, and fun ideas. I really want to revamp this series and bring it back in 2019. While I didn’t have it together enough to prep this in 2018 for a January 2019 relaunch, I’m thinking I can get it going in February or March. I’m super excited to bring it back!

More Non-Blog Materials – I have so many ideas (and honestly outlines and first drafts) for non-blog materials pertaining to Finding Delight — think: printables, courses, e-books, etc. Maybe this will be the year I see one through?

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Wow, ok. That ended up being way longer than I had anticipated but it felt good to write everything out. Next step – turn all this word vomit into some actionable steps for the year ahead! I’m feeling on fire with possibilities.

What about you? Care to share a few of your resolutions in the comments below? I believe in you and all you will accomplish in 2019! xoxo

P.S. Everyone says you should have one word to focus on for the year that encapsulates your goals and intentions. Reading all this back, I feel like mine should be COMMIT. So, I’m gonna go with that. 2019, I’m comin’ for you and I’m COMMITTING.

mid-week round-up

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Hello Delight-Seekers! And welcome to the first mid-week round-up of 2019… How is your January faring? After all the holiday travel in December, I’m happy to be returning to a slower pace. The past few days have been filled with work and good amount of CHILL-TIME…and I’m just fine with that. The weather is beautiful and sunny today (I had an hour long work call this morning that I was all too happy to take outside) and we’re hoping it holds to accommodate some outdoor projects we need to tackle this weekend. Hope your new year is off to a magnificent start, and here are a few fun things you might want to check out before you go…

A charming neighborhood library made from a rotting tree.

What podcasts do you think people should listen to in 2019?

How cities make money by fining the poor.

Gotta try this oatless oatmeal. (Yes, I’m on a Whole 30.)

Moving to New Orleans from New York City.

9 things that we haven’t updated since they were invented.

22 musicals in 12 minutes.

A freelancer and a full-timer debate whether the grass is actually greener.

An oral history of the greatest ‘Office’ episode ever.

A cookbook to consider when my Whole 30 is over but I still want to stay off the sugar.

Physical flip-flops made from Trump’s contradictory tweets.

Why can’t we tip Amazon warehouse workers?

P.S. A few Finding Delight posts you may have missed — Ballin’ on a Budget Mini Tips and Making a Beach Kit.

Book Your Health Check Ups (a gentle nudge!)

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The majority of us lead busy lives and it can be difficult to keep up with ever-growing schedules. We have jobs to commute to. We have social engagements to attend. Most days, we have plenty of places to be and plenty of people to see.

So, it’s really not all that surprising that many of us will put off basic health checks in favor of other things on our to-do lists. Sure, these health checks might not be all that interesting and, often, you’ll find you go simply to be told that everything is A-okay and you can be on your merry way. But these check ups are important. If you are suffering from any problems you’re unaware of, they can help to identify the issues sooner rather than later, allowing you to get the treatment you need before it becomes painful, dangerous or particularly expensive. So consider this a gentle nudge from your friendly, neighborhood blogger! Here are a few check ups you should schedule right now (GO DO IT!) — 

Eye Tests

The first appointment I would encourage you to book is an eye test. Now, there really is no excuse to miss this kind of test. It doesn’t involve any pain or particular discomfort. Often, if issues are detected, you don’t have to undergo any painful or uncomfortable treatment. All you have to do is go along to the test, have your eyes checked out from front to back and then undergo some simple visual tests to ensure your sight hasn’t deteriorated or worsened. What’s more? This test only needs to be scheduled once every two years. Everyone will be able to find half an hour free once every two years, no matter how busy you may be! Find a good optometrist and arrange an appointment. You don’t want to face issues such as glaucoma, cataracts or a displaced retina untreated. Your eye test could even help to identify illnesses like diabetes if there are early warning signs. 

Dental Check Ups

A second check up you need to fit in is a dental check up. These will need to be attended a little more regularly than eye tests. Most dentists will recommend that you see them at least once a year, but preferably once every six months. During your check up, the dentist will survey the health of your gums, identify any issues such as decay with your teeth and recommend treatments as necessary. This could include fillings, root canals, a tooth crown or anything else you may need. Before leaving, you can request a scale and polish, which will leave your teeth shining and clean!

Hearing Tests

A less common check up, but one that many people need nonetheless, is a hearing test. You only need to book one of these in if you take note of any changes in your ability to hear. During a hearing test, an audiologist will be able to diagnose any problems and suggest equipment such as hearing aids to help if you happen to need them!

Of course, there are other health checks you may need. But these are the basics and should get the ball rolling in the right direction for you! Now, go schedule some appointments. 

P.S. How do vacations benefit your health?