When it comes to preventing and treating high blood pressure, an often overlooked strategy is managing stress. If you're often tense and on-edge, try these seven ways to reduce stress.
1. Get enough sleep. Inadequate, poor quality sleep can negatively affect your mood, mental alertness, energy level and physical health.
2. Learn relaxation methods. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises and yoga are powerful relaxation techniques and stress busters.
3. Strengthen your social network. Connect with others by taking a course, joining an organization, or joining a support group.
4. Improve your time management skills. The more efficiently you can juggle work and family demands, the lower your stress level.
5. Try to resolve stressful situations if you can. Don't miss stressful situations. Hold problem solving sessions for family life and use negotiation skills at home and at work.
6. Feed yourself. Treat yourself to a massage. Get a real experience:for example, eat slowly and really focus on the taste and sensations of each bite. Take a walk or nap or listen to your favorite music.
7. Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your partner, friends and neighbors. If stress and anxiety persist, talk to your doctor.
In addition to these ways to reduce stress, add a healthy lifestyle:maintain a healthy weight, don't smoke, exercise regularly, and eat a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats - and high blood pressure can be a thing of the past.
