When it comes to preventing and treating high blood pressure, one often-overlooked strategy is managing stress. If you often find yourself tense and on-edge, try these seven strategies to reduce stress.
1) Get enough sleep: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can negatively affect your mood, mental alertness, energy level, and physical health.
2) Learn relaxation techniques: Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are powerful stress-busters.
3) Strengthen your social network: Connect with others by taking a class, joining an organization, or participating in a support group.
4) Hone 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 let stressful situations fester. Hold family problem-solving sessions and use negotiation skills at home and at work.
6) Nurture yourself: Treat yourself to a massage. Truly savour an experience: for example, eat slowly and really focus on the taste and sensations of each bite. Take a walk or a nap, or listen to your favorite music.
7) Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from your spouse, friends, and neighbours. If stress and anxiety persist, talk to your doctor.
Add in a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, regular exercise, and a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthful fats and a high blood pressure could be a thing of the past.