Chronic stress creates unhealthy levels of stress hormones, which can raise your heart rate as well as your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Stress is also the root of many unhealthy behaviors that increase the risk of heart disease, such as smoking, overeating and drinking.

Here are some great ways to take care of your heart by managing your stress:

Get moving: Take a walk, go dancing, use the stairs, hop on a treadmill, do whatever it takes to keep you motivated and active. Exercise is as good for your mind as it is for your body.

Eat healthfully: Eating the right foods can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to your heart.

Think positive: You can reduce stress just by thinking of someone you love. Positive imagery can work wonders to evoke calm.

Take a deep breath: Take several slow and deep breaths. It can actually lower your heart rate and improve your blood pressure.

Be kind to yourself: The first thing you can do to keep stress at bay is take care of yourself. It sounds simple but it’s one of the hardest things for some people to do. So have some fun, take a nap or go to the gym.

Ask for help: Even if you can do it all, why should you? Over time, you are bound to get exhausted, resentful and stressed out. Seek help from friends, family and support groups. If you are still feeling the pressure, talk to a professional.

Find a favorite stress buster: Follow your passions, make time for the people and things that matter most to you and find new ways to serve others. Just taking time to relax and share a good laugh with a good friend can make a difference.