Stress - How it is bad for your heart?

Stress affects almost every aspect of your health. One of the characteristic effects of stress is an elevated blood pressure level. this is unhealthy on its own and can aggravate cardiovascular problems. Stress can also cause chest pain and irregular heartbeats. In addition, it can promote the development of blood clots thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack. Leading an active life can help reduce the harmful effects of stress.

Stress does not affect everyone in the same way. The effects of stress are influenced by a person s diet and lifestyle. The way you think also plays an important role in determining the effects of stress on your body. To ease stress, do not take on more than you can handle and learn to say no . Take time off for yourself without feeling guilty about it to ease the effects of stress.

Stress can be managed in many ways. Meditating for half an hour at the start of each day can calm your mind and prepare it for the day s work. In addition, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and find time to exercise daily. Ideally, a person should exercise for at least half an hour every day but if you cannot find time to do that, break it down into smaller slots. Instead of taking the elevator, climb the stairs or park your car a little farther from your office to make exercising a part of your routine.

What you eat plays an important role in how you deal with stress. While some foods increase the levels of hormones that can fight stress other reduce the production of hormones that trigger stress. Some foods can also make you feel more focused and thereby raise your productivity levels. Food that is rich in antioxidants can also help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels thus fighting stress. Fish, nuts, dark chocolate and tea are some foods that can help relieve stress.