I am not a doctor, just someone learning from real life. What I have noticed is that little things like checking blood pressure can tell you more than you might think.
Sure, it is usually for heart health, but it also gives you a quick peek at your stress levels.
My First Wake Up Call
I started paying attention years ago at one of those on site job health fairs. I was very healthy at the time, running marathons, training for triathlons, and going to the gym. But when the nurse took my blood pressure it was high.
She looked at me and said, “Maybe it is because you are at work.” That stuck with me.
Tracking Over Time
Fast forward many years later and I realized I could buy one of these nifty devices myself. The one I use connects to my phone and shows me the trends over time.
I like to check it when I feel relaxed, and then again when I am tense, just to see the difference.
My Omron device from Amazon keeps track of the readings, and it is interesting to see how long it takes to calm down after something stressful. That alone is a little reminder of what is affecting me and what helps me bounce back.
Blood Pressure vs Heart Rate
Heart rate can also give some feedback, but I have found it is usually more tied to physical activity.
Blood pressure feels more like a snapshot of stress and calm in the moment.
That is what I like about using biomarkers. They are not magic, but they are measurable. They give us feedback.
Blood pressure is one of the fastest ways to see your body’s reaction to stress in real time.
Try It Yourself
Here are three simple ways to experiment:
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Measure when you are in a great mood.
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Measure when you are feeling stressed.
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Measure in between those two states and keep measuring over time.
Keep logging your numbers and then test what happens when you make small changes. Try meditation, a relaxing walk, or a light jog. Do not measure immediately after exercise, but wait until you are rested and then see where you are at.
These little experiments can help you learn how your body responds and what helps you reset.
A Quick Look at the Science
When you are stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals make your heart beat faster and your blood vessels tighten, which raises blood pressure.
Researchers have found that people who report higher well being often have lower blood pressure on average. Relaxation practices such as meditation, breathing, exercise, or even laughter can bring blood pressure back down, supporting both health and happiness.
For a recent take, here is a helpful article on how lifestyle habits connect emotional well being and cardiovascular health: How Your Emotional Health Impacts Blood Pressure
Final Thought
For me, happiness is not only about chasing big moments. It is about noticing the small cues that say, “Hey, take care of yourself right now.”
A quick blood pressure check can be one of those cues. Less than a minute, and you have got insight you can actually use.
Because sometimes, happiness is as simple as choosing calm.