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1. Not Exercising Enough
Exercise not only melts stress away, but it also helps protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, strengthening the heart muscle and helping you maintain a healthy weight. It also releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins.

Instead, try:
You can reap the mental benefits of exercise without an intense workout! Try going for a walk or try a guided workout class on YouTube.
 

2. Eating Too Much Junk Food and Sugar
When you are stressed, a burger or pizza may sound good at the time. However, it is important to know what these types of foods are doing to your body over time. These foods are high in sodium and fat, which the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends avoiding.

Junk Food:

Sugar:

Instead, try:
Consider swapping out fast food for whole grains, lean meats, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
 

3. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleeping too little can overwork your heart and can cause you to become more stressed. It is recommended that healthy adults sleep between seven and nine hours every night. You can help accomplish this by skipping that afternoon cup of coffee, limiting day-time naps, and turning off your cell phone, TV and other electronics 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Instead, try:
Try swapping your afternoon coffee for a non-caffeinated tea, and use Use the few hours before bed to read, listen to music or take a bath.
 

4. Smoking
When you smoke, you deprive your heart and blood of oxygen, which is vital for your body to function. Smoking also ignites the growth of plaque in your arteries. As plaque builds, it can block your arteries which may cause a blood clot. If the clot is big enough, it can block blood flow through your artery. This results in a heart attack or stroke.
 

5. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Drinking excessively or consistently over time hurts your heart. The American Heart Association recommends not exceeding two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk is for increased blood pressure and stroke.

6. Don’t drink enough water