Given everything that’s going on with the world, it’s understandable that your blood pressure is at an all-time high. But now more than ever, it’s important to take precautions to manage this condition. High blood pressure is often known as the “silent killer” since it shows almost no symptoms, yet remains one of the chief causes of death among Americans. Here are some natural solutions to keep calm and keep your blood pressure in check:
Soak in a hot tub
Soaking in a hot tub can help lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels and boost circulation. If you don’t have a hot tub, you can score a great deal from dependable bullfrog spa dealers. Even a short soak of about 10 minutes in a lukewarm bath is already incredibly beneficial to your health. For added health benefits, add a cup of sea salt or Epsom salt to create a salt bath. These kinds of baths are great for easing joint stiffness, soothing muscle pain, and relieving stress. Just make sure that the temperature isn’t too hot, otherwise, you could risk injuring yourself.
Manage your weight
Being overweight and unfit puts a ton of unnecessary stress on your heart. This increases the likelihood of you experiencing a stroke. Shedding even just 10 pounds of your current weight can dramatically reduce your blood pressure. Make sure to do this the right way through exercising, getting an adequate amount of sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly
Exercise will help keep your weight down, as well as build up your endurance and stamina. Getting stronger and fitter reduces the amount of stress that’s placed on your heart. It also lowers stress levels. You don’t need to head to the nearest gym to get started. A short but brisk walk around your block is enough to jumpstart your heart. Doing things you enjoy, such as dancing or cleaning your house are also great ways to get up and about. Aim for at least 20 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day.
Give up drinking and smoking
Drinking in moderation is fine, but smoking is an absolute no-go. Alcohol has tons of sugar and calories in it which causes a spike in cholesterol and stress levels. Physicians recommend a limit of two drinks per day for men, and one drink a day for women at the most. When it comes to smoking, no amount of cigarettes is a healthy amount. If you don’t smoke, there’s no good reason to start now. If you do, then you might benefit from consulting with a physician on the best way to eliminate this bad habit.
Chill out
Stress induces a surge of hormones that cause your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster. It might seem impossible given the current circumstances, but it’s imperative that you find the time to relax and relieve stress. Carve out a little time every day and dedicate it to doing something that makes you happy. It can be anything that puts you in a good mood, from meditating to knitting. If you haven’t yet picked up a chill side hobby, there’s no better time than now to get started on that.
Hypertension has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. It’s important to keep yourself in tip-top shape to ensure that you aren’t its next target.
