In respect of May Measurement Month, we thought we’d feature our latest blog on blood pressure.
High blood pressure affects more than one in four adults in the UK and is the third biggest risk factor for premature death, so it’s no small issue be ignored or avoided. But fear not, there are simple and easy ways to reduce blood pressure naturally over time that we’re excited to share with you.
Here’s our top tips on how to naturally reduce blood pressure within the workplace that will help keep your heart ticking over nicely and in tip-top condition.
Tip 1: Get up and moving
During work hours we typically spend most of the day (around 8 hours or more) inactive due to long periods of time spent sitting. Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to disrupting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, break down body fat and disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure.
Switching to a sit-stand desk easily allows seamless change from sitting and working to standing and working, restoring natural blood flow to the body and a reduction in blood pressure. You can buy your sit-stand desks through our website.
Going for walks on work breaks also helps reduce blood pressure by increasing blood flow and getting the blood pumping, elevating heart rate.
Tip 2: Eat dark chocolate
Those who read our “Healthier elevenses eating in the workplace” blog post will notice this is a second feature for dark chocolate, and with more linked health benefits… Hurray!
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in flavonoids, a plant compound that causes blood vessels to dilate and reduce blood pressure. You can pick yourself up some dark chocolate from our store and help lower your blood pressure the tasty way.
Tip 3: Try office yoga/ meditation
Although not in the long-term, stressful situations can cause spikes in blood pressure. For many, work can be a trigger of stress. Listening to calming music and relaxation soundtracks can reduce stress which overall reduces blood pressure.
Try listening to classical music as you’re working to alleviate stress and regulate your body’s blood pressure. You can also try reserving some time on your break to meditate and listen to relaxation videos using free resources like YouTube or classical radio.
Tip 4: Eat more potassium-rich foods
Potassium is a key mineral that helps maintain the body’s delicate balance by allowing the kidneys to work more efficiently. Generally, the better your kidneys can perform, the lower the blood pressure.
Potassium rich foods range from bananas and oranges, to sweet potato and spinach. There’s lots of tasty ways to add the mineral into your diet. Try a potassium boost by packing a banana and an orange as a sweet accompaniment to your office lunches.
Tip 5: Cut out added sugar
Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain over time, putting the body at greater risk of high blood pressure. Sugary foods fill the body with short bursts of energy and a subsequent slump afterwards, requiring more sugar to come out of the slump leading to a hard to break cycle.
Replacing high sugar foods with more sustainable energy sources such as nuts and fruits keeps a healthier balance and maintenance of blood pressure. Try ditching the fizzy drinks for water and loading up on some roasted unsalted peanuts or cashews as a snack that’ll keep you going for longer.
And there you have our simple, very easy, natural methods to reduce blood pressure naturally within the workplace.
Did our list of methods to reduce blood pressure naturally get your blood pumping and excited to try them? Which method is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.