Question 105 of 433
What lowers stress in ways that show up on medical tests?
The short answer
Exercise, sleep, time with people you trust, time outdoors, and a daily practice of stillness, whether you call it meditation, breathing, or prayer.
Slow breathing, about six breaths a minute for five to ten minutes, measurably lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Meditation programs modestly reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and depression in trials. Regular attendance at religious services is linked to longer life in large studies, likely through community, meaning, and ritual rest.
You do not need an app subscription. You need ten quiet minutes and the humility to believe they matter.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
HUMAN TRIALS for some stress symptoms and blood-pressure changes; OBSERVATIONAL for spiritual practice and survival.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 7, Q105 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.