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Lower Stress, Lower Blood Pressure
 The
medical profession is
finally beginning to wake up to what logic and intuition has always
told us: stress is a major factor in high blood pressure. Until
recently stress was considered only a contributing factor and not in
itself a primary cause of hypertension. It therefore followed that
relaxation and stress relief would have only a negligible and/or
temporary effect on blood pressure. But
fresh research is now beginning to reveal the obvious: high stress
levels are linked to high blood pressure. As part of the natural human
reaction for fight or flight under pressure, stress causes hormone
levels in the body to rise. These changes, if they occur chronically,
can easily become a major factor or even the primary cause of high
blood pressure.
Even in
cases of secondary hypertension, whereby high blood pressure is caused
by some organic cause, stress can be a major aggravator of the
condition.
So if high levels of
stress are a major factor in high blood pressure, it stands to reason
that reducing stress can lower
blood pressure. This approach is quick, effective, and does
not require medication or costly doctor's visits.
A few easy ways to reduce stress:
 Get
more sleep.
The human body needs at least eight hours of sleep per night. This
gives both the mind and body a chance to rest, recuperate and recharge.
Without this opportunity, you will quickly become tired, cranky, and
stressed. Lack of sleep can lead to elevated stress levels and elevated
blood pressure.
Exercise
regularly Regular
exercise will help lower your blood pressure, while adding energy and
vitality to your daily life. Exercise is also a great stress reliever,
allowing you to work off tension while you move your body. Losing
weight may be an added benefit of exercising frequently and this can
further reduce blood pressure.
Eat
a balanced diet.
Eating nutritious and whole foods will not only help lower your blood
pressure, but your stress levels as well. A diet rich in vitamins and
nutrients, with plenty of whole grains, lean meats, fruits and
vegetables, is crucial to good health.
Processed foods, for example, often contain unnatural amounts of salt,
which upsets the normal balance of sodium, magnesium and potassium in
the body, raising blood pressure. You can counteract this by eating
whole foods with a natural balance of minerals and/or by taking a
modest magnesium supplement. The extra benefit is that magnesium and
calcium also help calm the nerves and reduce stress.
Take
time for yourself every day.
Making sure you get down time is a great way to lower your stress
levels. Don’t bring work home with you. Take time to relax,
spend time
with your family, play a game, read a book, or just unwind. This time
is essential to your well-being.
Express
your feelings.
It is important to have a partner or close friend to vent to. Keeping
your feelings bottled up inside is dangerous and unhealthy. Sharing
your problems with someone is a great and positive way to reduce stress
and lower blood pressure as well.
 Slow
breathing.
You will often hear this described as "deep breathing" but slow
breathing is a much more helpful way to think of it. Slow breathing and
relaxation can be an easy way to lower your stress. Taking just a few
minutes every day to relax and unwind to some gentle music while
breathing slowly and deeply may be just the ticket to dropping those
numbers at your next doctor’s visit. |
By
making a few simple lifestyle changes like these, you too can lower
your stress levels and lower your blood pressure. Start a stress
management program today! You’ll be glad you made
these changes, and your blood pressure will show it too.
Click here to learn
more about slow breathing for lower
blood pressure and stress
relief.
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