Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Heart

Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month and nothing says “let’s celebrate our hearts” like Valentine’s day. With Valentine’s day just around the corner, let’s take this opportunity to not only think about the hearts of our loved ones but think about our own hearts and the overall health of our hearts. Our hearts are one of our most vital organs and they work hard to keep us alive so it only makes sense that we should put in the effort to take proper care of them.

Certain aspects of our lives play an important role in keeping our body healthy, such as nutrition, weight management, stress management, exercise, and sleep patterns. All these things work together to help our bodies function the best they can and what is at the core of our bodies? Our heart!

Nutrition

The quality of our nutrition has a huge impact on our overall health. We all know the saying “you are what you eat”. Everything that we put into our body is broken down to its core elements which then get absorbed by our body and fuel us and keep us functioning. If all you are putting into your body are foods high in saturated fats, sugar, salt, and preservatives then we are not helping our bodies work as efficiently as we can. It is very tempting to stop at the nearest fast food place and pick up a quick meal, but these foods are not designed with your health in mind. When you cook a meal for yourself after work or on the weekends you have more control over what you are putting into your body and it is easier to reduce the amount of unhealthy ingredients you put in your body. The journey to living a healthy lifestyle always starts with nutrition. Our bodies depend on food to function. If we want to feel better overall, then we should start with what you are putting into your body.

Weight Management

Obesity is a huge issue in the United States not only for adults but children as well. Obesity has a negative impact on your heart due to the additional stress on your body from being overweight. It is all about finding a healthy balance between diet, exercise, and lifestyle that is realistic for you. We each have different lifestyles and genetics that play into the way our bodies are formed and there is no shame in that. The ultimate goal is to be healthy and happy. Take care of yourself and be aware of what your body needs to be healthy.

Stress Management

With 365 days in a year, there are bound to be quite a few tough days that add to our stress. Stress is a part of everyone’s life and there is no way to avoid feeling stress but there are plenty of ways to manage the things in your life that stress you out. The key is to learn to manage your stress in a healthy and positive way. Some ways to manage your stress can include talking to a professional, participating in a stress management program, meditation, physical activity, relaxation techniques, or having a strong community of people in your life to help support you. Learning to manage your stress will help lower your risk of a heart attack, lower your blood pressure, and lower your risk for other heart diseases.

Exercise

The worst thing you can do for your body is to look at exercise as some sort of punishment for having an “unhealthy lifestyle”. Exercise shouldn’t be seen as a negative thing, Exercise can be play, taking the dog for a walk, or even just stretching and taking a short walk for a few minutes every hour. Health care professionals consider exercise to be one of the most beneficial steps you can take to improve your overall physical health. This isn’t your gym teacher telling you to run extra laps cause you were late, this is a trained medical professional that is looking out for your overall health. No one is telling you you need to need to do high intensity training and get abs in order to be healthy. Exercise is simply a means to get your body functioning efficiently. How do you expect your blood to circulate properly if you sit in a chair all day or you’re laying on a couch all day? A 10 to 15 minute brisk walk everyday can improve the circulation of your blood which will then help to improve the overall functionality of your body.

Sleep

Sleep is vital! While you sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. Getting the necessary amount of sleep also helps heal and repair your heart and blood vessels. Sleep also helps maintain a healthy balance of the hormones that make you feel hungry or full, it supports healthy growth and development, and supports a healthy immune system. The bottom line is that getting good quality sleep is just as important as eating a healthy diet. If you aren’t sure you are getting the rest you need out of your sleep it is vital to talk to your medical professional on finding ways to get more fulfilling sleep.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart and your body is to quit. Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of premature deaths in the United States. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders. Cigarettes are extremely addictive and if you are having trouble quitting there are many helpful resources all over the internet that can help you start. You can take the first step by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support.