Smart Ways To Cut Stress & Lower Blood Pressure
We all know that it’s easy to accumulate stress as we spin through the day. As one deadline bumps into another, we can practically feel the tension rising. And then when we check in with the doctor, our blood pressure numbers sometimes spike and tell us we have more work to do.
Here’s the good news
We can do a lot to bring our stress and our blood pressure levels down with simple daily adjustments.
HarvardHealth made this clear with a recent discussion. They tell us we often overlook the easy ways to calm everything down and stay healthy. Instead of just living with tension and stress and drowning the symptoms with chips and sodas or beer and pizza, why not try something better?
Easy Steps to Take Now
First, take a good look at your routines. There may be some easy ways to simplify the day, lowering stress for you and your family. At home it could be healthy but simpler breakfasts. At work it could be an overall work schedule review shifting times at the beginning of the week, instead of waiting until the end, when it becomes a big deal. Whatever you can do to ease your normal daily routines will help lower your stress and your blood pressure.
Next, pick up some good tension reducers tricks that you can use anytime. It could be as easy as a 10 minute meditation before work, or a five minute deep breathing exercise during morning and afternoon breaks. Or maybe a quick walk or run after work would drain off a lot of the day’s tension.
Then upgrade your sleep. If you are tense and negative and sleeping poorly day after day your stress levels and blood pressure will probably both be on the roof. Make sure you have a quiet sleep haven with comfortable pillows and mattresses and try for the same bedtime routine each evening. You will notice the difference the next day. With more sleep a lot of the little things seem a lot less annoying.
Stay connected with your friends and reach out for help when you need it. Nobody can solve everything on their own. Coffee with friends or a low key get together on the weekend can be a great time to talk over problems and blow off a little steam.
Plan some breakout times for you and your family. As we plow through the week, having a special hike, picnic or barbecue waiting can keep everybody motivated and a lot more cooperative. It will also help everybody relax on the weekend and let go of some of the stress.
Through it all take good care of yourself. Cut out smoking, shop for the best fresh fruits and veggies. Try out some new recipes for dinner and think about a new exercise program. Relaxing over dinner with friends and a special meal, and finding a great new exercise routine can go a long way to make everything look and feel better.
As always, monitor your blood pressure levels with your doctor and discuss any ongoing tension levels to work out the best solutions.
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