Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of threat or danger. There could be many factors which could cause stress such as family, work, relationships, illness and study.

When you get stressed a hormone called ‘cortisol’ is released in the body. Prolonged periods of continuous stress could lead to the build-up or increased level of cortisol in our system. This, in turn, can cause high cholesterol levels, a rise in triglycerides and blood pressure, thus increasing one’s risk of suffering from heart problems. So if you’re feeling stressed out or if you are suffering from high cholesterol levels, here are three simple ways to de-stress your mind and body and control your cholesterol levels better!

• Meditation
• Soothing teas
• Exercise

Meditation

Practice 15-20 minutes of yoga or meditation every day. While doing this try to keep your mind blank and think of a beautiful scenery or a peaceful place which you would like to visit such as a waterfall or the mountains.

Soothing teas

Tea is loaded with L-theanine and healthy catechins, which are known to reduce anxiety and lower stress. Teas such as green tea, lemongrass tea or even chamomile tea are known for their soothing and relaxing effects on the human mind. So start your day off with a cup of herbal tea, or remember to sip on a cup of tea when you are feeling stressed out.

Exercise

Exercise stimulates the production and release of endorphins in the brain, which acts like the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. So ensure you perform at least 20-30 minutes of any kind of exercise, such as a brisk walk or aerobics daily or at least five times in a week.

Cholesterol-friendly diet

While fried and oily foods have the tendency to increase LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, they can also lead to increased stress and depression levels, as they only satisfy our cravings for a moment and largely contribute to weight gain.

On the other hand, there are certain foods which actually help increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels and they also help you lose weight, strengthen immunity and benefit your overall health at the same time. Here’s a list of cholesterol-friendly foods:

• Garlic
• Leafy greens
• Haldi
• Ayurvedic herbs
• Beans
• Herbal tea
• Dry fruits
• Fiberous fruits
• Omega 3 fatty acids

The above-mentioned foods and spices are common ingredients in every Indian diet. Health Total recognises that and thus, we doubt you will have to make vast changes in your food plan to incorporate these foods into your daily diet. So now you know these simple de-stress tricks, simply follow them and you will surely sail through every week without getting stressed or losing your cool! If you have any questions, call on our toll-free number  1-800-843-0206 to talk to our health experts now!