The Heartland Heartbeat – March Edition

News +
Updates

We are excited to now offer clients the accessibility of our evening IOP group from Monday to Friday! We recently began day IOP, and run this program from 9a-12p each weekday (thanks, Lora!). Evening IOP has been offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for a few years now, but will now be offered on Tuesdays and Fridays as well. Evening IOP runs from 5p-8p.

Marissa

We would like to officially welcome Marissa to the team! Marissa was an intern with us from May to December, taking flight by seeing individual clients and helping run outpatient groups. Marissa has taken a full-time position here, helping to expand our night IOP from 3 to 5 nights! Marissa also hopes to begin a few new Heartland groups as well, so be on the lookout for those. Welcome to the team, Marissa!

What is IOP?

Our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are designed to provide clients a way to process their recovery journey. Client are provided multiple facets of psychoeducation, ranging from coping skills to identifying triggers. All tools are grounded in evidenced-based practices, and the entire group is a collaborative experience for clients and their peers to support each other in achieving their individual goals!

Is stress stressing you out?

When a person gets stressed, their body may respond by their heart beginning to race, their palms may begin to sweat, or their shoulders could tense up. Any physical reaction is the body’s way of preparing for a life-threatening challenge, even if the event is not life-threatening. Stress may occur from your workplace, a relationship issue, or maybe even just the fast paced day-to-day of your life.

Stress IS normal and can be helpful at times, but too much stress can begin to impact both your mental and physical wellbeing. Next, we will review those impacts and address a few things that you can do to minimize the effects of stress.

Chronic stress can:

▶ Increase the risk of getting sick by weakening your immune system

▶ Cause sleep problems because of the energy surge brought on by stress hormones

▶ Lead to headaches from constant muscle tension

▶ Increase the risk of anxiety and depression

▶ Lead to problems with learning and memory

▶ Increase the risk for heart disease, obesity, and diabetes

Healthy Ways to Cope

MOVE YOUR BODY: Regular aerobic exercise, like running, activates a response that helps your body cope with emotional stress.

MEDITATE: Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you decrease blood pressure and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

TAKE A TIME-OUT: Stepping away from distractions, such as social media and texting, may be stressful at first, but with practice it can help you relax.

DO ONE THING AT A TIME: If you feel overwhelmed with multitasking, try to tackle one challenge at a time.

GET SUPPORT: If you are stressed, ask for help from your family, friends, or a professional, such as a doctor or counselor.

Want to try meditation? Here’s a short video to get started!

That’s it for this month! We hope your march is full of luck and opportunity.

With purpose and passion,