Authored by Meghna Banerjee, counseling psychologist, habit coach and yoga expert at Alyve Health, India’s fastest growing health-tech platform
Individuals experience and respond to stress in various ways. Numerous health issues might arise from your level of stress and your response to it. It’s crucial to understand how to manage or control it. Changing our attitude toward life’s obstacles may enhance our perception of stress and lead to an improved quality of life and cardiovascular health.
Everyone experiences some amount of stress at different stages of life, which is either a physical or mental tension that can result from any idea or situation that causes you to feel anxious, irritated, or frustrated. Stress is not caused only by sickness, financial crisis, overworking, or multiple responsibilities, situations like a new marriage, a new city, or even a job promotion can expose you to stress. However, it has an impact on your body, particularly on your heart.
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What Stress Does to The Heart
Over time, many people have encountered short-term stress, which is a physiological and psychological response to a particular event that passes quickly, like public speaking or taking an examination. On the other hand, chronic stress is a persistent sensation of pressure and overwhelming experiences that last for a long time; it can be caused by a financial crisis, a toxic work environment, or even unhealthy family relationships.
It may lead to unhealthy habits that raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. These habits include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, eating junk food, decreased physical activity and exercise, no diet plans and not taking prescription drugs as directed. Additionally, stress can also lead to decreased energy, causing disturbed sleep routines.
How We Perceive Stress
“Stress is sometimes underrecognized as a risk factor for heart disease”, says Rachel Lampert, a Yale Medicine cardiologist. Everyone reacts differently to stress. What is considered as stressful for one person might not be as overwhelming for the other. It is quite subjective.
According to Dr Lampert, some people who have undergone a lot of stress will get heart disease, while others won’t. She adds that, like in cancer, some smokers do not develop cancer, whereas others do. The reason is a result of their lifestyle, surroundings, and genetic susceptibility along with how all these factors lead to diseases.
5 Strategies to Manage Stress and Keep a Healthy Heart
Take A Pause
We can never truly escape the fast-paced world but we can always take breaks to recharge. Spend some time to unplug and reset, even if it’s only for ten to fifteen minutes.
Meditate
Deep breathing meditation has been proven to lower risk factors like high blood pressure. Mantra chanting and other forms of slow yoga also make the person feel alive and positive. Studies show that staying optimistic and joyful increases “good” HDL cholesterol, decreases artery inflammation, and lowers stress hormone levels.
Exercise
Whether you are taking a stroll or performing yoga, physical activity causes your brain to release endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood. In addition, physical activity strengthens the cardiac muscles and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
Change Your Perspective
You should not ignore stress, rather, concentrate on what you can control or manage to either improve the circumstances or strengthen your ability to cope with stress. So, give yourself credit for your accomplishments, engage in positive self-talk, and recognize and accept your limitations.
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Conclusion
You won’t find anyone living stress-free, it is all about how to deal with stress and not letting it impact your physical health. Set your priorities and work on improving your lifestyle by making small changes that can bring positive energy around you. Remember to take that break, express yourself, eat right, sleep well, move every hour.
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