Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Our modern, urbanized lifestyle relegates most of us to a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting or working behind the computer is commonplace. While it’s nearly impossible to quit our jobs, there are ways we can fit exercise into our hectic schedules. If you live in an apartment, make the effort to walk to your residence. If you take public transportation to work, try to get off the train or bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way. Take time off to exercise at least twice a week, 30 minutes each time. Vigorous exercise activates cardiovascular muscles and improves blood circulation, which reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Eat a healthy diet
Our food intake today includes some form of processed foods. Rising wealth has led to a demand for a better lifestyle and with it, food that looks appealing and tastes good. While it will be impossible to completely eradicate processed foods from your diet, try replacing them with fresh foods. Replace sausages and bacon with fresh meat. Use natural seasonings like spices and herbs instead of pre-packaged seasonings. If you need a snack, choose apple slices or hollowed-out corn instead of potato chips. When you eat out, ask for reduced salt or have it salt-free. Reducing salt intake goes a long way to having a healthier body.
Reduce stress
We live in a competitive world. The pressure to perform both in the workplace and at home stresses us out on a level never seen before. If you feel like you are burning out, quit your job and go for a walk. Take a walk in the park or sit quietly by the beach. Get some fresh air. Find a moment of solitude and let your mind enjoy some peace, even if it’s only for a short 30 minutes. Better yet, set aside at least an hour each week for quiet time alone. Don’t wait until stress starts to build up. Prevention is better than cure.
Avoid excess alcohol
Research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption has the effect of increasing the level of blood pressure. Also, alcohol contains calories, which leads to weight gain, one of the factors leading to high blood pressure. If you’re a heavy drinker, try reducing your intake gradually over time. If you must drink at social functions, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Having less alcohol cleanses your system and puts your body on a path to normalcy.
Give up smoking
Smoking is one of the main contributors to increased blood pressure. Smoking increases blood pressure temporarily but instantly. Frequent smoking increases the frequency of blood pressure increases, and the long-term effects of such temporary increases in blood pressure cannot be ignored. Try to quit smoking over time. Reduce the number of cigarettes gradually until you have completely stopped smoking. There is another benefit to enjoy: the gradual absence of nicotine also reduces the chances of having narrow arteries and hardened artery walls, two main factors that lead to blood clots, which in turn leads to heart attack or stroke. .
Summary
In short, exercise, eat healthy and remove stress from your life. Also try to reduce your alcohol intake and stop smoking. A few simple lifestyle changes not only greatly reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure, but also make you fitter and feel great!