Try to read food labels so you'll know which foods are high in sodium. Ask your doctor if you're allowed to drink alcohol and if so, how much you're allowed to drink. If cutting back on alcohol is hard for you to do on your own, ask about community groups that can help. An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to add to obesity, which is a risk factor for high blood pressure.
Regular exercise helps to control weight and reduce stress.
It's best to start slowly and do something you enjoy, like taking walks or riding a bicycle. Talk to your healthcare professional about a good plan for you. There are different types of medicine your doctor may prescribe for you. Don't be discouraged if you need to take medicine from now on. Sometimes you can take smaller doses after your blood pressure is under control, but you may always need some treatment.