1 out of every 3 Americans suffers from hypertension, and most of them dread visiting the doctor’s office.

It’s easy to understand why–the thought of being put on medication for the rest of their lives, watching what they eat, and regularly checking their blood pressure, is overwhelming. But managing hypertension doesn’t have to be scary or stressful. In this article, we’ll explore ways to make hypertension treatment easier by “sugar-coating” the process.

What is hypertension, anyway?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of the blood in your arteries is consistently too high. This pressure can put a strain on your heart, kidneys, and other organs.

Hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other problems, so it’s important to manage it.

Why is managing hypertension so difficult?

There are a few reasons why managing hypertension can be tough:.

The treatment may involve lifelong medication.
The treatment may require changes to your diet and exercise routine.
You may need to check your blood pressure regularly to make sure the treatment is working.
You may need to make lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking or reducing stress.

All of these changes can feel overwhelming. They may require significant time and effort to implement, which can be tough to fit into an already hectic schedule. Plus, there’s the stigma around hypertension and its treatment.

Some people feel ashamed or embarrassed to have hypertension or to take medication for it.

How can we make hypertension treatment easier?

So, if hypertension treatment is so difficult, how can we make it easier? By “sugar-coating” the process–that is, by finding ways to make it more pleasant, less intimidating, and more manageable. Here are some suggestions:.

1. Find a doctor you trust

The first step in managing hypertension is finding a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Your doctor should be someone you can talk to openly about your concerns, someone who will listen to your questions and address your fears.

A good doctor will take the time to explain the treatment options and help you make informed decisions about your care.

2. Make medication management easier

One of the biggest hurdles in managing hypertension is taking medication consistently. This may mean taking pills every day, at the same time, often for the rest of your life. Here are some tips to make medication management easier:.

Use a pill organizer to keep track of your medications.
Set reminders on your phone or computer to take your pills.
Make sure your medication is easy to get–if you need to refill a prescription, set up automatic refills with your pharmacy.
Consider asking your doctor about combination medications, which can be easier to take than multiple separate pills.

3. Make healthy changes to your diet and exercise routine

Keeping your blood pressure under control often requires making lifestyle changes. This may mean eating a healthier diet, exercising more regularly, and cutting out unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking.

Here are some tips to make these changes more manageable:.

Don’t try to make all the changes at once–try incorporating one or two small changes each week.
Make it fun–find a workout buddy or try a new healthy recipe.
If you’re struggling to make the changes on your own, consider working with a registered dietitian or personal trainer.

4. Find ways to de-stress

Stress can raise your blood pressure, so it’s important to find ways to manage it. This may mean practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or finding a hobby that helps you unwind. Here are some ideas:.

Try yoga or tai chi.
Take a relaxing bath or spend time in nature.
Find a support group for people with hypertension.
Consider talking to a therapist or counselor if stress is taking a toll on your mental health.

The bottom line

Hypertension treatment is tough, but it doesn’t have to be scary or stressful.

By finding ways to “sugar-coat” the process–by making it more pleasant, less intimidating, and more manageable–we can help people with hypertension live happier, healthier lives.