Don't Sweat the Small Stuff! Your Health Will Thank You.

As Heart Health month comes to a close, we have one last tip for you to reduce your heart disease risk: stress less!  Today’s world is filled with stress-inducing situations, such as work, traffic, lack of sleep, or death of a loved one, just to name a few. Stress is taxing on your heart and overall health.  People who are chronically stressed have a 27% greater chance of having a heart attack than those who are not.  Stress has also been found to increase risk of stroke, fuel cancer, shrink the brain, weaken the immune system, and cause depression.  The next time you are feeling frazzled try one of these strategies to calm your mind and improve your health!

1.       Laugh! According to researchers at the University of Maryland, blood vessels dilate by 22% during laughter, increasing blood flow, and decreasing blood pressure.

2.       Be active! Just 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day can fight the effects of chronic stress. Not only does regular exercise decrease risk factors for heart disease, it also reduced the physical response to stress by returning the heart rate to normal quicker than in those who do not exercise.

3.       Stay positive! Having a negative outlook always makes a situation more difficult to get through. Look on the bright side and you will be feeling better in no time.

4.       Relax!  Set aside some time each day to take time to yourself to do something you enjoy, whether it is talking with friends, walking the dog, or reading a book.

5.       Eat a healthy snack.  By keeping your body well nourished, you will feel more energized and be able to think more clearly.

6.       Get enough sleep. Eating a balanced diet is not the only way to keep your mind and body fueled.  Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night will help you start your day on the right foot and keep you going throughout the day.

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Sources:
Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease, University of Rochester Medical Center
Defusing the mental and emotional pressures that take a toll on cardiac health, Chicago Tribune
Stress Health Effects: 10 Scary Things It’s Doing to Your Body, Huffington Post