Learn to Manage Stress
You can reduce your heart disease risk by
controlling stress. According to researchers, "hardiness,"
or the ability to cope well with stress, depends on three
things: challenge, control, and commitment. Try to interpret
stressful situations as challenges, not threats, and then
determine what you can control. Sometimes the only thing
that you can control in a stressful situation is the way
you respond, but that’s a start.
Make a commitment to be good to yourself by eating healthy,
thinking positively, and sharing love. And follow these
strategies:
- Communicate. Keeping your troubles inside will
only add to your stress, such as the stress of living
with a chronic illness. Share your innermost thoughts
with your spouse, a friend, or a counselor.
- Exercise. Regular exercise relieves stress. It
also can help to protect the cardiovascular and immune
systems from the consequences of stressful events. Whether
you swim, walk, cycle, or choose another form of exercise,
the key is to do it on a regular basis.
- Relax. Find at least 15 minutes each day to relax.
It’s important to clear the mind. If you, for example,
meditate, perform yoga, pray, or read an inspirational
book, you’ll sleep better, and getting enough shut-eye
boosts the immune system to help you handle stress better.
References
- “Stress
and Heart Disease,” American Heart Association,
2002.
- “Stress—Coping
with Everyday Problems,” National Mental Health
Association, 2003.
Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14
Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.RockHillCommunications.com
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Erin Murphy, Ron
Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D. - RockHill Communications
Date Written: 3/1/01
Last Reviewed & Updated: 5/31/2003 |
