Doing your best to keep your blood pressure in check and it is still high?
Try one (or more) of these secrets to bring it down:
Drink water: You need 5 kitchen-sized glasses of water per day to keep your blood flowing correctly. Do you get enough? Too little water will raise your blood pressure. Even if you are taking a diuretic (a medication to make you eliminate extra fluid in your body - by urinating) you still need to drink water to keep the blood flowing!
Move Around: Inactivity makes your blood pool in your legs and feet - making it harder to pump. Help your body out and move around. Twenty (or more) minutes of walking will do wonders.
Breathe: Stop twice per day and take 10 to 20 deep breaths. Close your eye (unless you are driving) and just concentrate on the air going in and out of your lungs. Calming your body and mind will lower your blood pressure.
Skip the soda: Most soda is loaded with salt, avoid this and other sneaky salt sources. Salt makes your body retain fluid, again making your heart work harder.
Sleep: Your body needs at least six hours of sleep to process stress hormones and recharge for the next day. Too little sleep increases your blood pressure.
Take your medication: Nearly half of people prescribed blood pressure medication don't take or don't take it properly. Use a pill case and an alarm if necessary to be sure your take your medication every day.
Unplug: Stress causes your blood pressure to rise. Be aware of the stress caused by the electronic media and gadgets in your life. Protect time in the morning and evening for quiet and connection with other people. More tips on avoiding electronic induced stress.
Managing your blood pressure is an important part of walking the path to a longer, more passionate life.
Get more tips and tools to live longer, feel better, and stress less in Eliz's new book, The Busy Woman's Guide to a Healthy Heart or visit her award winning blog!