We all know stress has negative impacts on almost every aspect of our lives. But it can have particularly direct and adverse effects on the heart, and not just because stressed people often eat unhealthy food and don’t have the energy or time to exercise.

It’s easier said than done to reduce stress, but these five methods can help keep it under control:

1. Think positive thoughts. Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase HDL cholesterol (the good stuff.)

2. Meditate, practice yoga, or pray. Quiet, inward-focused thought and deep breathing helps your mind to refocus and reset, which in turn manages high blood pressure and the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

3. Exercise. Physical activity releases mood-boosting chemicals (endorphins), and protects against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, strengthening heart muscle, and managing healthy weight.

4. Unplug. In today’s media-saturated world, we are constantly barraged by information on a daily basis. It’s important to escape this onslaught by unplugging from the TV, computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. for a period of time every day. Give your brain a break.

5. Make time for you. Whether it’s taking a warm bubble bath, listening to music, reading, painting or drawing, or doing a puzzle, this “you time” is essential to staying well-rounded and balanced emotionally, mentally, and physically.