It starts with knowing what a healthy blood pressure reading is. The numbers you are aiming for are less than 140/90. Doctors used to only worry about the top number being high, but now they have found that there is more concern when the bottom number is too high. The bottom number is your blood pressure in between pumps from the heart, if it is elevated there then your body is under extreme pressure even when it is not doing any work.
 Make sure that you are checking your blood pressure often. If the doctor were to take a pressure reading at the beginning of an appointment and then again at the end there would be two different readings. Your blood pressure tends to change quickly. Checking your blood pressure once a week or bi-weekly is highly recommended. It will help you know if any problems are showing up or if your efforts to lower your blood pressure are having an affect.
 Consult with a doctor. If your blood pressure is in normal range then just a regular check up will work. If you have high blood pressure then you need to be working with your doctor to get it down. This may mean more visits than just annually.
 A steady blood pressure will come from maintaining a healthy weight. If you are overweight then you should be doing all you can to get your weight down to take from pressure off of your heart. This means talking with your doctor and figuring out a plan that won't put anymore strain on your heart but will help you take off extra pounds.
 Eat a low sodium diet. That means cutting salty foods out of your live. Instead of using salt to flavor everything find some new spices. A variety of spices give foods much more flavor than any amount of salt. Snacks need to be salt free, try more fruits and veggies and less potato chips.
 Exercise should be part of your regular routine. If you have high blood pressure your doctor will tell you what is safe. If you don't want or have a gym membership or home equipment then a brisk walk will work. Start with a half an hour then gradually work up. Find a friend to go with you and you will start to find that you love time you spend exercising and talking.
 Alcohol should be cut from your diet as much as possible. A glass with dinner isn't bad, but you should never drink without eating. Alcohol affects your blood pressure enough that if you have high blood pressure it is recommended to stop drinking.
 You should not smoke. This is for more than just your blood pressure. Do the healthy thing and find a means to quit. You will be glad you did.
 Avoid things that cause you stress. Now this is something that will be a little bit trickier. That doesn't mean that you should stop going to work because work is a stressor and the commute is too. It means that if you get stressed about things that you can avoid, like your neighbors, then avoid it.
 One last idea is to get a pet. Studies have shown that stroking a pet, such as a cat or dog, helps lower elevated blood pressure. Don't listen to this idea if the pet is just going to become a stressor. Then maybe just borrow your mother-in-law's cat for a day or two!