When you’ve experienced car issues, received an unexpected bill, or have a tough day at work, you are undoubtedly experiencing a large amount of stress. Everyone experiences and reacts to stress in a variety of different ways. Feeling overwhelmed and on edge is a normal, ordinary feeling. However, the amount of stress you experience and the way in which you typically manage it can lead to an extensive list of health problems. For your health, it is critical to understand the toll that stress can put on your body. Luckily, our team at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island can help you today.

 

Your Heart and Stress

The primary cause of death amongst Americans is heart disease, and stress can affect behaviors that increase one’s risk of developing it. When you are stressed how do you manage it? Most Americans choose to overeat or smoke. These activities can lead to high cholesterol and blood levels and damage artery walls. Initially, your body may respond with a headache, pains, or trouble sleeping.

When your body recognizes that it is in a stressful state, there is a domino effect of reactions. First, you may go into a “fight or flight” response. This is when your body releases adrenaline which increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. If you are facing persistent stress, your body will remain “on edge” and can affect you for days and weeks at a time.

 

How Can Managing Stress Prevent Heart Disease?

If you have been in search of a holistic cardiologist on Long Island, consider contacting our team at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island. Managing stress is critical for your overall health, but more specifically, your heart. Our holistic cardiologist on Long Island wants to assist you in all health-related matters. There are ways to manage your stress to prevent heart complications. It is important to learn long-term strategies and techniques to manage your stress. Consider the following if you’re consistently stressed and engage in these actions:

  • Overeat
  • Consume alcohol or smoke
  • Become frantic and counterproductive
  • Overwork
  • Over or under sleep

If you engage with at least one of these behaviors, you are dealing with your stress in an unhealthy manner.

 

Ways to Help Your Heart

There are many healthy ways to deal with stress to prevent health problems from occurring:

  • Practice deep breathing exercises when you find yourself in a stressful situation. Focusing on your breathing can take your mind off of the stress factor and simultaneously calm you down.
  • Put the phone down, give your brain a break. Our brain needs breaks throughout the day to prepare and properly conquer daily challenges and recoup. Do not waste this time in front of a screen.
  • “Low-level stressors” can be prevented by simply making a schedule and lists — in general, organizing. If deciding what to have for dinner stresses you out, plan it out!
  • Physical exercise is one of the most popular ways to de-stress. This is because exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins can be considered the “feel good brain chemicals” that can make you feel calm and sleep better.
  • Stay positive. Find the stressful parts of your life and try to find ways to make them more enjoyable.

 

How ICCLI Can Help

If you have been in search of a holistic cardiologist on Long Island, consider contacting us at ICCLI. We want to help you with your heart health journey. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started!