Ever felt your heart skip a beat when you're stressed? Well, it's not just a feeling. It’s your heart responding to that stress.
Now, imagine your heart under constant stress. It’s not uncommon. Stress can come at us from so many directions. Our work, relationships, finances, peer pressure, school, world events…just to name a few.
For your heart, chronic stress can be like running a marathon without a finish line. Not exactly the healthy workout your heart signed up for, right?
The connection between stress and heart disease is like a bad romance; the more intense it gets, the more your heart risks singing the blues.
Every race needs a finish line so the runners can rest and recover. Even the most hearty blues bands take an intermission now and then. Your heart and body needs a break too. And the tips below may help you recognize when stress is building so you can take steps to reduce that strain on your cardio system.
A Link Between Stress & Heart Health
Stress fires up your fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones that get your heart racing and your blood pressure soaring.
Too much of that for prolonged periods is risky. Chronic stress keeps your heart working overtime, and just like any overworked muscle, it may start to wear out. The result is an open invitation for conditions like heart disease and stroke.
The next time you're feeling the pressure, remember it's not just your head that's feeling the heat. Your heart is bearing the brunt as well. So let’s focus on some easy ways to manage stress.
Tips For Healthy Stress Management
Meditation is a great place to start. Most meditation techniques are centered on breathing in the calm and exhaling the chaos. Find a quiet place. Put distractions aside, even for just a few minutes. Allow your body to relax and focus on every inhale and exhale.
With every conscious breath, you're slowly pouring cold water into that slow simmering pot that was at its boiling point, reducing stress and its impacts on your body.
Physical activity can really help with stress.
Whether you're into a quiet yoga session, a hearty gym workout, or dancing like nobody's watching, it's all about getting feel-good endorphins to make an appearance in your brain. Those are your body's natural stress-repellent.
Walking for 30 minutes daily can contribute significantly to cardiovascular health. It’s low impact so nearly everyone can do it. Bonus points if you take a walk out in nature – a place where the calming sights and sounds of water, birds, or the wind blowing through the trees can help reduce our stress levels.
Specifically, engaging in just about any physical activity can help lower the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Some of our other favorites for reducing stress include a good book, journaling, an hour with your favorite music, and time spent with friends and family. Often, your brain and body just needs a break from the source of your stress. Think about what’s peaceful for you – we’re all different – and make a commitment to do that more often.
Stress management as the daily multivitamin for your soul. It’s essential for maintaining that inner sparkle. By tackling stress, you're not just dodging health risks, you're crafting a masterpiece of wellness.
