Stress management and heart health: what must you know

In health research across the globe, new paradigms have emerged that have led to the accumulation of critical information about the state of human health and the patterns that affect it. In the extremely fast paced world of today, there are certain unwanted and distressing factors that contribute significantly to the deterioration of human health. One of the core domains of overall health of a human being is the cardiovascular health or the health condition of the heart and associated blood pumping mechanism. Due to factors such as lifestyle changes, unhealthy habits, pollution, and chronic stress, the number of heart patients has greatly increased and is on a rise. This is true for general human society where the overall artificial and unnatural ways of life have led to toxicity in the overall wellness of body and mind. Among the mentioned factors, chronic stress is one of major causes of worry as it has emerged as one of the major avoidable parameters that leads to weakened heart health. While as human beings, a little degree of stress cannot be avoided completely, yet when stress becomes chronic, the impact that is has on the overall health and especially heart-health is extremely detrimental. In fact, chronic stress wreaks such a havoc that other associated disorders like anxiety, depression etc. also stem from it.

In view of the above, there are certain things that we must follow and must bear in mind so that we can deal effectively with the menace of stress and can lead better and healthy lives. Following are certain practices that must be followed for ensuring that stress levels do not spike and that our heart-health is maintained:

1. Importance of proper diet:

   The importance of proper diet can never be understated. As the ancient adage goes, what we consume ultimately manifests as what we feel. A proper diet is the one that is balanced and rich in essential nutrients. The unhealthy food habits like consuming too much oily or fatty food or improper eating habits directly impact the body’s constitution and must thus be avoided.

2. Importance of proper exercise:

   Our bodies have been designed by mother-nature for activity and physical exercise is an important part of ensuring our total well-being. Physical exercise alleviates stress, nourishes the blood vessels, ensures muscle health and pumps up the cardio-vascular system. This not only ensures that the heart stays fit but also gets rid of toxins in the body.

3. Importance of holistic practices:

   While cardio-vascular training and associated forms of exercise have their own importance, the wisdom of ancient medicinal systems and modern research shows us that practices like yoga, breathing exercises and meditation go a long way in imparting all-round vigor and vitality to the body. These practices alleviate stress and promote all round wellness of body and mind which makes all the physical systems healthy and strong.

HDFC Life offers HDFC Life Cardiac Care – a heart disease specific plan that makes you completely prepared for any heart-related contingency and secures your finances during any such emergency.