Hypertension guide

EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE BODY
Imagine this - you've got lists of things to do, your kids have projects due or after school classes to take, your house needs cleaned, the in-laws are coming for a visit. You are trying to figure out how to fit it all into your schedule. The phone keeps ringing - people want to invade your schedule some more. Or you're at work, and your boss keeps adding things to your to-do list. Do you feel your body getting a little tense there? Those are just some of the everyday occurrences.
The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale was made in 1967 by studying sailors and effects of stressors and corresponding illnesses. Some of the top stressors are events that every one of us go through during our lives: death of a spouse, divorce, separations, imprisonment (hopefully not too many of us!), death of a close family member, illness, and even positive events like getting married, retirement and pregnancy! The results of the study showed definite relation between stress and illnesses. Those illnesses can start out as simple as a headache or stomach ache, but can soon transpose into something worse, such as stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, or cancer.
ENOUGH BAD NEWS ALREADY - WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT!
Yes, there is good news here, and that is that while the stresses are still there, it's our RESPONSE to the stress that ultimately affects what happens to our bodies. Take some simple steps to change your response, and you should be on your way to being golden.
When you feel that "fight or flight" syndrome (getting a little bit more irritable, hmmm?) or you just need to have space away from it all), take just a few moments and take some deep breaths. Breathe in to count of seven, hold for count of seven, then breathe out for count of seven. Repeat that four times. It only takes a couple minutes, but it can do the magic trick of helping you feel a little calmer.
Get up a little earlier in the morning before everyone gets up and exercise or maybe go for a brisk walk. Maybe go with a friend - it's a great bonding time) or even if you're up for it, go for a walk/run. If the morning is just too early, then try for a few minutes in the evening.
Take 15 minutes and de-clutter an area in your environment. It's really amazing how much clutter in your "space" will add to your stress. Think about a nice relaxing hotel room - not a lot of clutter sitting around, right? It's probably one reason we like getting away! So look around your home or work area; pick just one pile on a desk, or on a coffee table or wherever it is. Then find a home for each item in that area or toss it in the trash. It feels good just getting that done!
Call a friend or acquaintance that you haven't talked to for a while. It's fun to Facebook, but it's even more fun to hear that person's voice! Feel the stress melt away, at least for a while.
Create a routine for everyday chores that need done but you keep getting put off because of "not enough time." For instance, clean the toilet every Monday. Grocery shop on Tuesday. Do a load of laundry every day so it doesn't build up; clean the shower every Friday. Try doing it (cleaning the shower, that is!)while you are naked and taking your shower) Talk about multi-tasking! No worries there about getting your clothes wet or bleached! Just use a netted sponge and a liquid soap you like less than others. Now think about things in other areas of your life where a routine would help; write them down and see how much easier life becomes with a routine.
One last idea is to take one thing you REALLY, REALLY don't want to do, whether it's something at work or at home, and get it done and out of the way first. Oh, What a relief... it is! Enough said!
For more information on which foods help with lowering blood pressure, click here. You'll also find a link on that page to the eBook "How to Lower Blood Pressure & Be Healthier." You'll find more tips there to help you lessen your stress.


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