Know the Impact of Stress on Your Risk of Heart Disease

During a stressful time it's easy to make your health the last priority. You think you'll get back on track when things settle down at work, or when you get into a better routine at home. Whatever your situation, there's always an excuse to continue the cycle you're on, without realizing the impact it can have on your health.

How Stress Increases Your Risk

One reason stress can link to heart disease is that people tend to fall into poor lifestyle habits when they are busy, anxious or overwhelmed. Bad health habits can lead to increased cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and weight gain, which are all risk factors associated with heart disease. The following habits can lead to many of these risks:

• Overeating or choosing unhealthy food because it's quick or comforting
• Skipping exercise due to lack of time or fatigue from a busy schedule
• Using cigarettes or alcohol as a distraction from reality

Maintain Balance to Keep Good Habits

While it may not be possible to reduce your workload or to slow down your social life – maintaining balance is important for your physical and mental health. For starters, recognize that you can't do everything at once. Then, evaluate how to create a more manageable routine.

• Think about what needs to be done in a week's time, write down a list of priorities and work through them one at a time.
• Schedule downtime for yourself. Sometimes if it's not on your schedule it doesn't happen, so treat this time as you would a meeting with your supervisor.
• Add a section to your planner or calendar for a food or activity log. Writing down your food and activity habits is a good way to be mindful of your choices.