Smile with all your heart

Do you feel stressed out? Take a moment to relax, breathe deeply and think of the last funny thing you saw or heard. While those around wonder what you're smiling about, you'll be doing wonders for your heart health.

When you're stressed, the hormone cortisol is released, which raises sugar and fat levels in the blood increasing blood pressure. Risky lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking and unhealthy eating are also common when stressed so it's not surprising that depression and anxiety are thought to increase the risk of developing heart disease. A recent study in the US has found further evidence to suggest that depression in people varies the way the heart rate is controlled which increases the risk of a heart attack.

If you do notice signs of stress, anxiety or depression, help is at hand so don't be shy - talk to someone you feel comfortable with. Symptoms to look out for include: fatigue, irregular sleeping patterns, changes in eating and drinking habits or losing interest in things that normally make you happy. 

Here are some tips to help you overcome those blue moods and begin to protect your heart;

Relax: Deep breathing and simple relaxation can help relieve tension and increase oxygen rich blood flowing through your body. This will help keep your heart pumping efficiently and reduce the likelihood of dizzy spells associated with anxiety.

Be Active: Exercise counteracts the effects that your body produces when under stress and can encourage feel-good endorphins and distract you from your daily apprehensions. The energy and optimism from physical activity can help you to remain calm and clear minded. Sleeping is said to improve which is often disrupted by stress. So you can look forward to sleeping till your heart's content.

Balanced Diet: Don't skip meals or over indulge on snacks that are high in saturated fat, sugar or salt. Choose a good variety of foods with lots of colour and a balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates and soluble fibre.
 
Have Fun: Make time for activities that give you pleasure not stress; whether this is having a long hot soak in the bath, watching a movie, taking up a new hobby or socialising with friends - have fun and let your heart and soul benefit.

So, if you're feeling low and life is getting you down, don't slouch on the sofa with comfort food, alcohol and ciggies wishing life could be better. Seek professional help and take those vital steps to help spring board you back into a happier life to relish and look forward to.