Does the stress of life have a negative impact on your blood pressure? The constant intensity from work, commuting, spouses, family, and children leads to high blood pressure and poor health in many people. Here are seven ways you can decrease your blood pressure naturally and live a longer, healthier life.

1. Take CBD Products

CBD is a natural supplement made from hemp plants. This product works with your endocannabinoid system to decrease high blood pressure and your body’s stress reaction. CBD works because it dilates blood vessels which allows blood to be pumped easier, reducing pressure. It also helps by decreasing levels of cortisol which leads to feelings of stress. CBD is sold in many forms, including tinctures, vape pens and super high quality CBD gummies.

2. Exercise Daily

Getting an adequate amount of activity each day helps your body manage stress better. Exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel calm and happy. When you can handle the stress, you are much less likely to experience an increase in blood pressure. This activity also strengthens your heart so it pumps more efficiently, which causes the pressure in your arteries to go down. The longer and harder you exercise, the more effect it has in lowering your blood pressure.

3. Try Deep Breathing Exercises

Learning calming techniques helps you refocus your mind. After a long, stressful day, taking the time to relax is a necessary step for reducing blood pressure. Meditation and deep breathing exercises calm the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases heart rate and blood pressure. If you are feeling stressed during the day, you can also do this at your desk. Even just 30 seconds helps your mind relax and refocus.

4. Decrease Salty Food Intake

Eating processed foods with a lot of salt causes your body to retain water. This happens because your body wants to flush your system of this extra salt. However, the added fluid causes your heart to work harder and increases your blood pressure. If you are sensitive to salt, you must cut down on eating these foods. Opt for many fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein without adding table salt or sauces.

5. Eat Dark Chocolate 

This food is high in plant flavonoids, chemicals that help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. What better way to follow up dinner than with a bite of dark chocolate? Though consuming large amounts of chocolate is still not encouraged, small amounts have positively impacted different aspects of heart health.

6. Decrease Sugar and Carbohydrate Intake

There is a link between consuming large amounts of sugar and high blood pressure. A study shows that people who drink less than one regular soda a day have lower blood pressure than those who drink at least one a day. It’s not just drinks that have a lot of sugar, either. Sweets and processed carbohydrates turn to sugar in your body shortly after eating them. All this sugar causes inflammation, which makes the heart work harder to pump blood. That same study also shows that people who decrease sugar intake have a decrease in their blood pressure. It’s never too late to start eating better, so keep away from sugary foods and drinks to keep your heart healthy.

7. Make Time for Hobbies and Friends

Laughter is another excellent way to relieve stress. Spending time with family and friends in a fun environment is a joyful way to relax. Being happy increases hormones in your body that decrease cortisol, therefore reducing your blood pressure. Times like these also allow you to chat with people about your day-to-day life. Getting stressful emotions out by talking to someone is one way to decrease the feeling of anxiety. Picking up a hobby, such as painting, woodworking, reading or gardening, also gives you something to focus your attention on and get away from the chaos of the day.

Lowering your blood pressure is vital for your long-term heart health. Some natural ways to do this are supplementing with CBD products, exercise and deep breathing, eating more dark chocolate and less salt, and laughing with your friends. You can start doing all of these are simple options at any time and begin the path to lower blood pressure.