Keep Blood Pressure Down With Stress Management
By Rachel Carver
Life can get stressful. Between work, managing household schedules, and juggling finances, it is easy to see how stress can impact so much of our lives.
However, if you have high blood pressure, stress management can impact your numbers. Stressful situations can temporarily spike your blood pressure.
Your Reaction to Stress May Affect Blood Pressure
During stress, your body produces a surge of hormones. These hormones temporarily increase your blood pressure by causing your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow.
Research does not suggest that stress alone raises blood pressure. However, handling stress with unhealthy methods can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If your doctor has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, effective stress management is important.
Here are some ways to reduce stress.
Get Quality Sleep
Poor sleep can negatively affect energy levels, mood, and mental alertness. Fatigue reduces your ability to think clearly, which can lead to forgetting things and just throw off your day. This leads to stress. Adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Learn Relaxation Techniques
Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can relax your body and mind. Scheduling time to relax and gather your thoughts each day will also reduce stress. Taking time to care for yourself will help you prepare for any event the day will dish out.
Establish a Support System
Connect with others who share your interests through a class, an organization, or a support group. When life gets stressful, a trusted family member or friend can help you work through the stressor. A support network is important. We will all need help with something in our lives.
Improve Time Management Skills
Many of us find the juggle of home and work life to be stressful. Plan your week on a calendar. Set up a calendar that can be accessed by everyone in your household. Create reminders for meetings, and make shopping lists to make ordering groceries or trips to the store easy. Efficient time management skills will decrease your stress level.
Focus on What You Can Control
Situations such as finances, meeting fatigue, and a cluttered house can be addressed. Set a budget, organize your calendar, and create a daily task list to tackle household chores. However, some things are not in your control. We know bad weather will come and that a crisis is likely to occur in the future. Focus on creating plans to address the stress you can control. And find ways to worry less about other items. This approach will make life less stressful.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in University Heights, Ohio.