OKLAHOMA CITY –<\/p>\n
As the days get shorter and fall activities pick up, mental health advocates are encouraging Oklahomans to make time for themselves, set boundaries and find ways to manage seasonal stress.<\/p>\n
Trisha Koelsch, CEO of Calm Waters, discussed ways to protect mental well-being during a recent morning television interview, highlighting the importance of self-care, physical activity and taking breaks from daily responsibilities.<\/p>\n
\n Shorter days, busy schedules can increase stress<\/p>\n
Fall can bring several competing demands, including school exams, fall break, vacations, sporting events and other family activities. Koelsch said the combination can put additional strain on people as the seasons change.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can put a lot of strain on us, but it\u2019s okay to take a step back and take time for yourself,\u201d Koelsch said.<\/p>\n
She encouraged people to practice self-compassion and be mindful of how they speak to themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, we are our worst critics, and just making sure that your inner voice is being as nice to yourself as you would be to others,\u201d Koelsch said. \u201cBe encouraging to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Koelsch also emphasized that people do not have to attend every event or accept every invitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay to not attend every event,\u201d she said, adding that people should make time for themselves and say no to activities that are not a priority.<\/p>\n
\n Small breaks can help people reset<\/p>\n
Koelsch said self-care does not have to involve major changes or elaborate plans. Simple activities, such as taking a walk, reading a book or taking a bath, can provide an opportunity to recharge.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely, resetting is a big one. So making sure that you take time to take a walk or take a bath, read a book, take a few moments just to set aside for you,\u201d Koelsch said.<\/p>\n
Even a brief period of quiet can make a difference for people balancing work and family responsibilities.<\/p>\n
Koelsch noted that some people transition from a full workday directly into additional responsibilities at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know you work all day and then you get home and if you have kids or a husband or wife or whatever sometimes it\u2019s you know you\u2019re going to your second job,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She suggested taking a moment to sit quietly in the car before going inside and beginning those responsibilities.<\/p>\n
\n Physical activity and connection are important<\/p>\n
Koelsch also encouraged people to stay active as temperatures become milder, noting that walking can be an easy way to incorporate movement into a daily routine.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the perfect time to be able to get up and get moving, whether it\u2019s just taking a walk,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Walking with a friend, neighbor, child or spouse can also provide an opportunity to spend quality time together while getting outside.<\/p>\n
Koelsch warned that allowing stress to build without taking time to address it can lead people to withdraw from others and become less active.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tend to isolate, and we internalize, but that also happens externally as well,\u201d Koelsch said. \u201cWe\u2019ll start seeing where we get to where we don\u2019t want to get off the couch, and we don\u2019t want to get moving, and it just continues to pile. It\u2019s not healthy, and your emotions will get the best of you. It will eventually come to light, so it\u2019s always important to make sure that you take time to reset and to take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Calm Waters offers support<\/p>\n