Lowering Stress for Cardiovascular Health

Learning ways to relax

To reduce stress, practice daily relaxation. Here are a few ideas:

• Make time for yourself each day to read a book, listen to music, watch the sunset, or do anything that makes you feel calm and peaceful.

• Use your favorite kind of exercise as a way to release tension.

• Practice time management. This means giving yourself enough time to get things done.

• Keep your sense of humor. If you can laugh at yourself and the things that happen each day, you’ll stay happier and healthier.

• Try deep breathing or meditation. Many libraries and bookstores have audio files or CDs that may help you relax.

• Imagine stress away. When you’re feeling stress, stop what you’re doing. Imagine a peaceful scene. Think about a warm beach or rolling green hills, for example.

• Identify what sets off stress for you. Plan ahead to prevent or prepare for those triggers.

• Limit situations with relatives or friends that can turn into arguments and stressful encounters.

• Practice letting go of small issues that cause you stress.

• Find ways to remind yourself to use your stress-coping resources when you feel your stress levels rising.

• If you need more help and ideas, join a support group. Sharing problems with others can help you handle stress.