Many people all over the world are suffering from high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension. This is when your blood pressure readings are in the various risk levels for a heart attack and stroke. Living with high blood pressure is scary and requires lifestyle changes and/or medication to get it under control.

As more and more people try to solve hypertension with lifestyle changes, we wanted to share some of the weird things people do to lower blood pressure. If you’re thinking about doing any of these ideas, be sure to chat with your doctor beforehand. Your doctor will know best if any of these ideas are safe for your particular high blood pressure situation.

Isometric Handgrip Exercises

Squeezing a spring-loaded handgrip has been proven to help high blood pressure in some people. Using this affordable handgrip fitness item for just 12 to 15 minutes three times a week can help reduce your blood pressure by about 10%.

Reduce or Remove Sugar

Sugar can lead to belly fat and extra belly fat increases your blood pressure. Many people have started to opt for pure cane sugar rather than sugar alternatives to help reduce or remove sugar from their diet. Don’t forget to read the ingredient labels on your favorite food to completely reduce your overall sugar intake to help lower blood pressure.

Get and Give Hugs

It’s been proven time and time again that hugging can increase oxytocin. This is your happy hormone and is something that helps lower blood pressure. If you’re not a hugger by nature, well then start enjoying those hugs because becoming a hugger person will help lower that blood pressure by reducing the stress on your cardiovascular system.

Use Noise Reducing Headphones

Listening to frequent noises around 64 decibels or higher can impact your blood pressure. Many people have opted to use noise-reducing headphones when they live near a busy highway or in a loud location. Living in high-noise situations or areas can increase your risk of high blood pressure by 90%.

Get Some Sunshine

Have your doctor check your Vitamin D level. If this is low, then it may be part of the reason your blood pressure is high. Consider getting outdoors to soak up some sunshine as often as possible. If you live in a darker region of the world, invest in a natural light to use during the daytime to supplement the loss of sunshine in your life.

These are just some of the weird things people do to lower blood pressure, that by the way, actually work! Consider reviewing this list and making a note of which options you’ll try so that you can get your blood pressure back to a safer level for maximum health.