1. Skipping Hydration Upon Waking

• Why It’s Harmful: After several hours of sleep, the body is naturally dehydrated. Dehydration increases blood viscosity, which can elevate the risk of blood clots and stroke.
• What to Do Instead: Start your day by drinking a glass of water to rehydrate your body and improve circulation.

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2. Getting Up Too Quickly

• Why It’s Harmful: Sudden movements after waking, such as getting out of bed too quickly, can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). This can lead to dizziness, fainting, or even a stroke in extreme cases.
• What to Do Instead: Take a few moments to sit on the edge of your bed and stretch gently before standing up to stabilize your blood pressure.

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3. Skipping Breakfast

• Why It’s Harmful: Not eating breakfast can lead to low blood sugar levels, increasing stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to high blood pressure and stroke risk over time.
• What to Do Instead: Eat a balanced breakfast that includes whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar and support cardiovascular health.

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4. Excessive Morning Stress

• Why It’s Harmful: Stressful activities like checking emails or engaging in intense discussions immediately after waking can spike cortisol and adrenaline levels, leading to higher blood pressure and increased stroke risk.
• What to Do Instead: Incorporate calming activities like meditation, light exercise, or deep breathing into your morning routine to reduce stress.

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Tips to Reduce Stroke Risk in the Morning

• Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These habits significantly increase stroke risk.
• Monitor Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, so regular monitoring and medication (if prescribed) are essential.
• Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can elevate stroke risk. Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep each night.