PHM-Wellness-Newsletter-Winter-19-EMAIL

Mental Wellness Using Your Mind to Help Reduce High Blood Pressure

Worry and stress affects the circulation, the heart, the glands, the whole nervous system, and profoundly affects heart action. – CHARLES W. MAYO, M.D, AMERICAN SURGEON AND SON OF MAYO CLINIC CO-FOUNDER CHARLES HORACE MAYO.

The above quote emphasizes the role that a person’s mindset can play on their health. If you suffer from high blood pressure, here are three ways your mind can help your heart:

CHANGE THEWAY YOU THINK ABOUT STRESS A study published in theArchives of Internal Medicine found that when a group of 30 adults with high blood pressure received 10 hours of cognitive-behavior therapy, the participants showed a significant reduction in blood pressure.The treatment focused on changing thoughts, beliefs and assump- tions about stress and anger.These results were compared to a second group of participants with high blood pressure that had no treatment.The second group showed no health improvement.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

PRACTICE RELAXATION EXERCISES

Engaging in deep breathing exercises is a natural way to reduce your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy. To get started, take a deep breath and concentrate on how you feel as you are breathing.Your lungs should feel completely full with air as you inhale and your stomach should rise when you exhale. Deep breathing slows down the heart, which helps to reduce stress and bring down blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), having a sense of gratitude can also help reduce blood pressure.The AHA states that by focusing on the positive and expressing gratitude to others, you can boost your level of optimism and outlook on your life. Studies show that having a daily gratitude practice can reduce stressful thoughts and make you happier and healthier overall.

For additional support with high blood pressure / hypertension, consider joining Pinnacle Health Management’s confidential care management program. High blood pressure is one of six chronic conditions that the care management program helps employees manage better. Par ticipants receive complimentary one-on-one coaching with a registered nurse, medication discounts and educational materials. For more information, contact us at (844) 230-1121 or at healthmanagement@pinnacletpa.com . Additional Support

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