Beware of stress dangers

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants to help you develop skills to manage everyday stressors. Stress Awareness Month is observed in April to spotlight the effects of stress and promote mental health resources. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, stress can lead to negative outcomes on your mental and physical health, including mood swings, headaches, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating and a weakened immune system. Stress can also make symptoms of existing mental health conditions worse.

“Generally, people are more susceptible to stress during big life changes, such as moving, losing a loved one or getting married,” said Kim Farris, OKCIC’s Director of Behavioral Health. “It’s important to recognize what triggers your stress so you can develop coping strategies.”

One strategy for stress management is to use a planner to help schedule tasks and avoid feeling over- whelmed by deadlines. Practicing relaxation techniques can also be useful for keeping stress at bay. Deep breathing, meditation or taking a short break to refocus can be calming.

Our physical health plays an important role in helping us manage stress. In addition to improving overall health, daily exercise produces stressrelieving hormones in the body. Be sure to set aside a few minutes each day for an activity you enjoy, like walking, dancing or biking. Along with exercising, we can manage stress by getting enough sleep and eating well.

“A lot of research shows that eating a balanced diet and variety of nutrients, like our leafy greens, lean protein choices, healthy fats and color from our fruits keep us strong and ready to combat stress,” said Jessica Chisari, OKCIC’s Registered Dietitian.

Sometimes we need help talking through our stressors and learning which coping skills work for us. OKCIC patients can call (405) 9484900 ext. 610 to schedule an appointment