Stress Needs to be Managed

Stressful situations elevate our blood pressure. Adrenaline and other chemicals get us ready for action by constricting our blood vessels and making our heart pump harder. Usually this effect is short-lived - but if we're continually stressed our blood pressure will remain elevated. And long-term elevation leads to hypertension.

The key to preventing this progression is self-management. We need to recognise when we're stressed, understand what's causing it - and then do something about it.

Here are some key strategies:

• Learn how to relax and take time for relaxation.
• Look for the happy side of any stressful situation. Always remind yourself that "It's not what happens, it's how you take it"
• Plan and manage your time so you feel in control.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A problem shared is a problem halved.

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