How To Manage Stress And Heart Disease

By: Brandy Willingham

Break Studios Contributing Writer

 It is of the utmost importance to know how to manage stress and heart disease. The Center for Disease Control reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women. In 2006 Heart disease was responsible for for one in four of the deaths in the United States. It is a proven fact that stress contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses. Fortunately stress can be managed.

  1. The first step to managing stress and heart disease is to form a mental awareness that stress will happen. Day to day lives, job, children, spouses, and other environmental factors contribute to stress. Thus learning to handle stress while handling heart disease is paramount. The American Heart Association states that the number one way to manage stress is through positive self talk. This is basically stating things such as “ I can handle this” “I am a good person”.
  2. When managing stress and heart disease exercise is always top of the priority list. Exercise not only contributes to the overall health of the body but it also helps to reduce stress by tapping into those marvelous endorphins. Exercise has also been proven to increase mood. Exercise is also a major component in managing heart disease. Exercise helps decrease weight gain which is essential when managing heart disease.
  3. When discussing how to manage stress and heart disease diet is usually at the top of the list. Ditching the junk food goes a long way with heart disease as well as stress management. Red meats, highly salty or fatty foods lead to plaque buildup which can be harmful to someone who needs to manage heart disease. Likewise eating those foods can lead to weight gain which has been directly linked to stress.
  4. In order to manage stress and heart disease concurrently sleep must become a priority. Not getting an adequate amount of sleep can contribute to both stress and heart disease. The body needs a certain amount of sleep to repair and function properly. Sleeping is completely free and very effective at managing stress and heart disease.
  5. Finally when managing stress and heart disease maintaining a “healthy” circle is key. Positive people decrease stress but can help increase all of the habits listed above. An example may be a group of people to practice walking or other forms of exercise. Another example would be someone spiritual to talk or meditate with. A weight watcher buddy who helps with accountability with weight and other goals is a great example as well. It is wonderful to have friends and family but understanding their purpose and doing what needs to be cone to manage stress and heart disease is important.

Everyday the effects of stress can be seen and heard all around us. Likewise heart disease affects millions of American's each year. The key to managing both stress and heart disease can be free and lead to overall better health. It is important to remember to contact your physician prior to beginning any weight loss program or utilizing any health tip.

 

Posted on: Aug. 31, 2010