There are health problems caused by our genes and health problems caused by our lifestyle. The first we can’t do anything about, but the second is at least partly in our control. If we want to live longer and be happier, we have to find ways to make our lives less stressful.
Stress comes with all sorts of unpleasant side effects when it comes to health. Your heart races and your blood vessels narrow, which can cause a temporary surge in blood pressure. This will be aggravated if you use flawed coping methods to deal with that stress. Bad habits like smoking and alcohol consumption tend to go up when we’re worried, which means more long-term health problems.
So, if you want to protect your heart and blood vessels, you need to try to manage stressful things in a way that doesn’t increase your blood pressure further. One way to do this is to ensure you have the most welcoming, relaxing home environment (https://www.bluezones.com/2021/07/how-to-design-your-home-to-help-you-move-more-eat-better-and-sleep-soundly/#).
Getting your home right means you will sleep better, be encouraged to eat higher-quality, more balanced meals, and maybe even exercise more. Every room in the house is an opportunity to encourage yourself to improve your quality of life, and with it your blood pressure and heart health.
Your bedroom needs to be a cool, quiet place where you can rest. Make sure you can keep it dark when you are sleeping and that the bed itself is comfortable and supports you. In the kitchen, you need equipment and ingredients where you can easily reach them. A slow cooker is a good way to cook proper meals without having to spend all day on the preparation. Personalize decoration throughout the home to make it feel more like your space and to encourage you to engage with your surroundings.
If you are at home all day, even if you work from home, it does not mean you cannot include some physical activity. Try standing at your desk instead of sitting (desk risers can help with this) or have a mini-elliptical at your feet. Even things like carrying heavy objects around the home or walking briskly up the stairs can help get the blood pumping in a good way.
Your home should be practical to move through and find things while also being a pleasant place to spend time.
