The American Heart Association created a series of Hard Hats with Heart Toolbox Talks with cardiovascular health tips and resources specifically for the construction industry to keep the workforce healthy. This weeks Toolbox Talk discusses how to reduce and manage your stress.
Stress and cardiovascular disease
Everyone feels and reacts to stress in different ways. How much stress you experience and how you react to it can lead to a wide variety of health problems — and that’s why it’s critical to know what you can do about it. Stress can contribute to poor health behaviors linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, such as: smoking, overeating, lack of physical activity, eating unhealthy foods, being overweight and not taking medications as prescribed.
Tips for Managing Stress
- Exercise regularly. It can relieve stress, tension, anxiety and depression.
- Make time for friends and family.
- Get enough sleep. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours a night.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Practice relaxation techniques while listening to music.
- Find a stimulating hobby that can be fun and distract you from negative thoughts or worries.
