AMY PACKER

Research shows there are many other easy ways for us to keep blood pressure under control.

PET THE DOG

Just 15 minutes petting the family dog can lower blood pressure by 10%. Tests show it can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood.

No dog? The good news is studies show it also works with cats, rabbits and even turtles!

GO TO BED EARLY

Going to bed an hour earlier than usual could help to ward off high blood pressure.

Scientists from Harvard Medical School, in Boston in the US, found people who were showing the early signs of high blood pressure were able to restore readings to healthy levels in six weeks if they had an extra hour in bed per night.

TAKE UP SINGING

Blasting out your favourite tune at the top of your voice can bring blood pressure readings down by easing anxiety and stress. Listening to music, especially calming classical music, has a similar effect.

REACH OUT

Holding the hand of a loved one can make you relax and reduce the effects of stress hormones in the blood, triggering an almost immediate decline in blood pressure readings.

ENJOY A REGULAR SAUNA

Adults who take a sauna at least once a week can slash blood pressure scores by almost half, according to studies carried out in Finland.

TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE

It is known to bring blood pressure down. But massages need to be fairly regular as tests show the effects only last a couple of weeks.

WATCH SOME COMEDY Numerous studies show laughter is good for the heart. And it works quickly; research has proven that blood pressure drops within 20 minutes of watching a funny film.