Meditation is one way to help us relax. The American Heart Association (AHA) stated that according to a recent study, meditation may decrease the risk of heart disease. The study included practices such as:

If you’re new to meditation, go easy on yourself and check out one technique for a few weeks until you find one or two that work for you. A wide variety of videos is available online that teach these practices for every level, including beginners. Eventually you might even want to consider joining a meditation group.

Since meditation is supposed to help reduce stress, try not to worry if you don’t get the hang of it immediately. If you prefer mindfulness and breathing activities that involve more movement, try this series of five yoga poses. The AHA also recommends Tai Chi.

Most important, we always want to be mindful that as with any medical condition, managing HBP is a multi-pronged approach that includes standards such as:

  • taking medication: consistency in dosage and frequency is the key; always follow your primary care physician’s instructions
  • managing salt intake: less than 1,500 milligrams (3/4 teaspoon) per day from all sources
  • exercising: a total of 30 minutes of activity per day, 5 days a week
  • maintaining a healthy weight: losing as little as 10 pounds can help lower BP
  • limiting alcohol intake: average one drink per day
  • not smoking: ’nuff said?

These guidelines, combined with stress reduction activities, make a great heart-healthy regimen. Do you have other questions about blood pressure, stress management, or other conditions? Talk with Teladoc. Our network of board-certified physicians is available to help diagnose and treat non-emergency illnesses 24/7 anywhere in the U.S. by app, web, or phone.

Get started with Teladoc

Here’s to a peaceful mind and healthy heart!

Check out 8 ways to avoid burnout

This portion of the Teladoc Health website occasionally offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for educational purposes only. You cannot rely on any information provided here as a substitute for or replacement of professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Teladoc Health cannot assure that the information contained on this site always includes the most recent findings or developments with respect to the particular subject matter covered.

If you ever have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical- or health-related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you are in the United States and think you are having a medical or health emergency, call your healthcare professional, or 911, immediately.