Chronic stress and anxiety, blood pressure, gut health: Protect your heart with these 5 lifestyle changes

Stress is more than just a mental burden. It wreaks havoc on your entire body, impacting your heart, nervous system, and digestive health in ways you might not realise. When stress becomes chronic, it raises your blood pressure, overworks your nervous system, and throws your gut health out of balance, leading to long-term health problems.

But with a few small lifestyle changes, you can take control and protect your body from stress’s damaging effects. Simple shifts like practicing mindfulness, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, improving sleep habits, and learning to set boundaries can work wonders in keeping your heart, nerves, and digestion in check for the long haul.

Practice mindful breathing: Mindful breathing techniques can lower stress hormones like cortisol, providing instant relief from stress. Deep breathing helps regulate the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic nervous response, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Prioritise sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress levels, leading to long-term health problems like hypertension and digestive issues. Restful sleep allows the brain to process stress hormones effectively, preventing adrenal fatigue and reducing the risk of anxiety-related illnesses.