North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Inc.
Forest Hills Hospital
102-01 66th Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Michael Dowling
President and CEO
North Shore-LIJ
Health System
Terry Lynam
VP, Public Relations
North Shore-LIJ
Brian Mulligan
AVP, Public Relations
Maria Conforti
Managing Editor
Tim Vassilakos
Public Relations
& Social Media Manager
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Focus on Health is published by the Public Relations Department of
Forest Hills Hospital (516-465-2600). The information within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Produced by True North Custom Media, Chattanooga, TN. © 2013. Printed in USA.
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Your Heart
Stress and
Stress is defined as mental and/or physical tension in response to life’s various demands.
In and of itself, stress is not necessarily a bad thing. However, side effects of stress — such as obesity and unhealthy habits like smoking and excess drinking — are known to damage heart health.
To reduce and effectively manage the stress in your life, consider working this progressive muscle relaxation technique into your
daily routine.
• Set aside a time and place where you will not be interrupted. Wear comfortable, non-constrictive clothing and sit or lie in a comfortable position with all
parts of your body supported.
• Close your eyes and take several deep breaths from the abdomen while focusing on your breath. Beginning with your arms, tighten each of your muscle groups individually for several seconds. Relax, then repeat the exercise.
Focus on releasing tension from your body as you relax each muscle group, breathing regularly. Work your way through your entire body systematically, tightening and relaxing a single area, such as your forearms, before moving on to another area, such as your upper arms, face, legs and feet.
• Avoid over-tightening sensitive areas, such as the back.
When you’ve completed the circuit, revisit any areas that still feel tense. Allow yourself to rest and breath naturally in this relaxed stage for several minutes. Stand up to complete the exercise when you feel ready.
Other ways to manage stress include regularly doing things you find enjoyable, such as participating in a hobby, listening to music, or taking a run or walk. A stress management class can help you develop good habits like supporting those in need, organizing your life, getting adequate amounts of sleep and learning to accept the things you can’t change—additional ways to reduce the negative impact of stress.
