Here are some additional recommendations on how to manage stress before it takes over and, in turn, help reduce your blood pressure:
Get creative
Suppressed desires to create or produce something beautiful or valuable can lead to simmering stress and frustration, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Give yourself permission to dedicate some time each day or a few times a week to engage in creative pursuits or play. This could involve painting with watercolors, gardening, learning to play a musical instrument, woodworking, completing puzzles, or making a patchwork quilt. The key is to engage in an activity that is solely for your benefit, which can alleviate stress and foster your creative spirit. In fact, a study conducted in Germany discovered that individuals with essential hypertension who maintained a positive outlook towards creativity and life were able to reduce their medication intake.
Spend time with animals
If you are a pet owner, try to spend quality time with your furry friend. While the evidence is not conclusive, some studies suggest that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and a more active lifestyle compared to those without dogs. In one study conducted by the State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers examined 240 married couples, half of whom had pets. The results showed that individuals with pets had significantly lower blood pressure, exhibited less stress during challenging situations, and recovered faster compared to those without pets. These benefits were particularly noticeable when the pets were physically present.
Listen to music
If you want to lower your blood pressure, consider listening to slower music. Studies have shown that music with a slower beat can help lower blood pressure, while music with a faster beat can raise it. I suggest that you listen to music that makes you feel better every day to help you deal with stress. You can use your iPod or stereo to play music that is soothing and helps you unwind.
In fact, there are MP3 players that can measure your blood pressure and play music that will help lower it. Also, you can find a lot of apps online that have to do with music therapy for high blood pressure, so you have a lot of options.
