The effects of stress on your heart
We all experience stress. It is a normal part of life. Stress can come from physical causes like having an illness, emotional causes like worries about life, or less dramatic causes like everyday struggles. The stress response of your body is supposed to protect you. But, when it is prolonged and constant, it can harm you. Learn more about the effects of stress on your heart, and how the Wim Hof Method can help you to live a happier, healthier, and stress-free life!
Negative influences of cortisol on your heart
When your body is under stress, it releases the hormone cortisol. Several studies have shown that prolonged and constant stress causes a high level of cortisol in the body. This in turn causes the risk of chronically high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high triglycerides. These are common risk factors for heart disease. A high cortisol level also contributes to the calcification of the arteries. In addition, it can cause blood clots and increase the risk of a stroke.
Stress responses and how to deal with it
You will not immediately notice the effects of stress on your heart. However, stress can manifest itself in various other discomforts. Common stress responses include decreased energy and sleep, anxiety, anger, depression, and forgetfulness. People respond differently to stressful situations. Some may smoke, drink, overeat, or choose other unhealthy ways to deal with stress. These bad habits may be temporarily relieving, but will only do more damage to your body. But luckily, you can decrease the effects of stress on your body!
Ways to relieve your heart from stress
To relieve your heart of stress, you must first identify the causes of stress. Once you have done that, you can start to actively lower your stress levels. Exercise, for example, is one of the most important things that can counteract stress. It improves cardiovascular health by bettering cholesterol levels, controlling weight, and lowering blood pressure. But it can also reduce the risk of depression— another risk factor for heart disease. Besides that, it is also important to have strong support from people around you. Research has shown that having a strong supportive network— like having friends you trust, being married, or having a religion, can relieve stress and your risk of heart disease.
Lower the effects of stress on your heart with the Wim Hof Method
Practicing the Wim Hof Method has been shown to help improve your mental and physical health. It relieves stress, boosts your immune system, and lowers blood pressure. All these things contribute to a healthier heart and blood vessels, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Practicing the method gives you an incredible energy boost, which you can use to do things that seemed impossible before.
Practice the Wim Hof Method
Do you want to reduce the risk of stress on your heart? Wait no longer and experience all the health benefits for yourself! In our step-by-step video courses, Wim Hof will teach you his scientifically underpinned method. Thousands of people worldwide have already practiced the method and report that they can control and reduce stress , enjoy better sleep , experience a faster recovery from physical exercise, and feel more energized. Sign up for one of our video courses today here!
The three pillars
The Wim Hof Method consists of three pillars, which are breathing exercises, controlled exposure to cold, and commitment. The three pillars combined help you to live a healthier life, help you to reduce the risk of heart diseases, and calm the effect of stress on your heart!
