6 Stress Busters for a Healthier Heart

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At Texas Foot Specialists we believe in a total body approach to health. In honor of National Heart Month we want to offer some helpful information on dealing with stress. Feeling pressured and stressed can increase blood pressure which obviously has a negative effect on your heart. Stress can also lower your immunity and make you more susceptible to illness and disease.

Try these stress reducers:

  1. Get physical—engaging in physical activity on a daily basis is a great way to relieve stress, increase mental function and fight depression. If it’s difficult to find a 20-30 minute span of time in your day, take 10-minute fitness breaks throughout the day. Look for activities you enjoy such as biking, swimming or hiking. Before you start a new activity, make an appointment with one of our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller or Dr. Gregory Mangum, to have your feet checked. The foot doctor can determine if you are experiencing any foot issues currently and also make recommendations that will protect previously injured areas of your feet or ankles.
  2. Sleep tight—be sure to get 6-8 hours of sleep every night. It’s easier for stress to take hold of you if you’re tired and it’s harder to think clearly too if you are not getting enough sleep.
  3. Phone a friend—don’t neglect social outlets and make time to talk with family and friends.
  4. Pace yourself—don’t try to do more than is realistically possible. Use organizational tools such as “To Do Lists” to help you focus and prioritize. Leave plenty of time to get to appointments so you’re not rushed.
  5. Give back—volunteering or helping out a friend is a great way to take your mind off your own worries and improve well being.
  6. Make healthy choices—if you smoke, quit; maintain an appropriate weight, consume alcohol only in moderation. If your body is healthy, your mind is more likely to be healthy as well.

If you have questions about healthy habits for your feet and the rest of your body don’t hesitate to contact our Houston, Sugar Land or Pasadena office.