In today's world, stress has become an unwelcome, and often unrecognised companion. From endless workloads to traffic jams, the pressure we face daily can have serious consequences.
Link between stress and heart disease
Many people know first-hand that chronic stress can negatively affect mood, sleep, and appetite. However, you may not know that chronic stress can harm your heart, or understand what you can do to counter its effects, according to an article on Harvard Health.
Long-term stress doesn't just leave you feeling exhausted, it can inflame your body at a cellular level. Chronic stress is linked to low-grade inflammation, a major actor in the development of heart disease.
Stress impacts the body in ways that may not be immediately visible but are deeply damaging over time. Mood, sleep, and appetite changes brought on by the constant hum of stress can do so, too.
The unhealthy habits people often adopt under stress, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and the risk multiplies. For example, when under stress, some of us eat unhealthy food or lack the energy or time to exercise. Stress can also trigger heart-damaging behaviours such as smoking.
5 simple ways to distress
Thankfully, you don't need a major lifestyle overhaul to protect your heart. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference. These five simple tips can help you do just that.
1. Laugh it off
Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, and decrease inflammation in the arteries. Whether it's a funny movie, silly meme, or a laugh-out-loud moment with friends, humour helps your heart as much as your mood.
2. Meditate your way to calm
Finding time for a simple combination of inward-focused thought and deep breathing reduces heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. Meditative practices like yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, and prayer can also relax the mind and body.
3. Move more, stress less
Physical activity is one of the most effective stress relievers out there. Whether it's a brisk walk, a dance session, or hitting the gym, exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. These not only lift your mood but also help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and strengthen your heart muscle.
4. Disconnect to reconnect
Technology can be a major stress trigger, especially when your inbox and social media are always a click away. Set aside time each day to unplug. Even 10 to 15 minutes away from screens, emails, and news can create mental space to relax and reset.
5. Make time for joy
You don't really need a fancy spa day to unwind. Simple things, like a relaxing bath, listening to music, spending time in nature or on a favourite hobby, can give you a much-needed break from the stressors in your life.
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