Many Latinos experience high levels of stress, which over time contribute to their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and more.

In a new PSA, the American Heart Association (AHA) encourages people to prioritize their “me time” to help combat stress and protect their heart health.

Sometimes, stress feels like the only constant,” the PSA says. “I’m focusing on what I can control, like turning little moments into ‘me time’ to help my mind, heart and body.”

The PSA recommends people reduce stress by slowing down and partaking in mindful, heart-healthy activities such as exercising, deep breathing, reducing phone time and connecting with loved ones.

Latinos experience higher levels of stress due to systemic disparities, limited access to health care and food insecurity, and this stress has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic stressors can negatively impact heart health and give rise to increased blood pressure, heart rate and inflammation, which may advance to chronic diseases.

The PSA encourages viewers to utilize the AHA’s tips and resources to help manage stress and improve overall health.

The website offers simple methods to lessen stress and prevent heart disease. It answers questions such as “How can being more active help to reduce stress?” and “What are simple ways to find stress relief?”

The AHA also provides deep breathing techniques and mindfulness videos that are proven to help lower blood pressure, create a sense of calm, reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Videos are tailored to both adults and children or teens.

This is my time and my health, and moment by moment, I’m owning it,” the PSA said.

In addition to this PSA, the AHA launched a campaign last year to help Latinos manage chronic stress. Titled “Protecting Your Well-being Together/Juntos Protegiendo Nuestro Bienestar,” the bilingual campaign aims to address common stressors affecting Latinos.

To learn more about managing stress, click here.

To read more, click #Stress or #Heart. There, you’ll find headlines such as “Childhood Stress Linked to Poorer Heart Health in Adults,” “Long-Lasting Stress Increases Risk of Heart Disease” and “Discrimination May Lead to Unhealthy Gut-Brain Changes.