6. Blow off Some Steam

A serious X factor in the world of high blood pressure is the ability or inability to properly relieve stress. When your body is stressed, either from work, family or any other element of your life, chemicals like cortisol are released from your adrenal glands. Cortisol triggers a fight or flight response in your body, in turn moving large amounts of oxygen rich blood to your major organs.

The problem arises when you don’t work that cortisol out of your system. Being repeatedly put in stressful situations and not sweating it out can cause adrenal imbalances in your body, resulting in higher blood pressure. It’s important to take time to get out for a run, hit the gym or even just go for a brisk walk. Getting three half hour work outs in a week are a great way to lower blood pressure as well as increasing stamina and promoting an overall positive outlook.