(PCM+) 12 Month Health and Wellness

byKelli Northcutt| Contributing Writer

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

We’ve all seen the stressed-out person at the grocery store. They have dark bags under their eyes, a phone up to their ear, they’re checking their watch every two minutes and they might even be yelling at their three children in tow or the unsuspecting cashier! We’ve probably not only seen this person at the store, but more than likely we’ve BEEN this person!

Living without stress is impossible. Stress is a normal part of our lives and is a natural response to demands and pressures we encounter every day. The problem occurs when we do not manage that stress well. The American Psychological Association reports that more than three fourths of adults report having physical symptoms of stress in the last month, and half of all adults report that stress has negatively affected their behavior.