Practical ways to reduce stress for a healthier heart: relaxation and breathing techniques, healthy lifestyle habits, and simple activities that bring you joy.

Too much stress can have a negative effect on your heart. It's important to manage your stress to feel better. By using these techniques, you can reduce stress in your life and have a healthier heart. So how do you reduce stress? It helps to schedule activities to reduce your stress. Set aside time each day — just five to 10 minutes — to practice your favorite stress-reduction technique. The more time you spend in a relaxed state, the less stress you will feel. Once you learn techniques that reduce your stress, try to practice them as part of your daily routine; they will then become routine when you need to use them.

First, practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing exercises, taking slow, deep breaths to help relax your body and mind — try counting to 10 as you breathe and take a moment to slow down. Try to relax your muscles using deep muscle relaxation, which is where you contract or squeeze and then release your muscles; this technique helps with stress and tension. And try mindfulness and meditation, which help you be more aware of your mind and body to reduce anxiety.

Second, practice healthy lifestyle habits to reduce stress, even during stressful times. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help reduce your stress. Try to adopt a heart-healthy diet by avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol, and decrease your intake of processed foods. Make sure you get regular sleep and rest — getting seven to eight hours of sleep may help you. Obtain support from family, friends, and those you're close to. You can also seek help from professionals such as therapists, counselors, or psychologists; sharing your concerns and thoughts can provide emotional relief and allow you to learn good coping skills.

Third, try other helpful tips that bring you joy. Find a hobby or creative outlet. Enjoy activities that allow you to relax, like listening to soothing music, gardening, or spending time in nature. Do something fun or that makes you laugh. And spend time with loved ones. Keep in mind that a lot of these things are not going to be easy. Setting aside the time each day will help you reduce stress over time and get into a routine. Being able to reduce and manage your stress will increase your wellbeing and overall heart health. Try practicing relaxation techniques, healthy lifestyle habits, and other tips that bring you joy.

And remember to consult a healthcare professional. If you feel you still have stress, you are not alone. Thank you for watching "How to Reduce Stress."