We Our Hearts!
Since February is American Heart month, we wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to this most essential organ. It really does keep on ticking, day in and day out, and has become the obsession of poets, sappy songwriters, and everyone who wants to maintain a healthy heart.
It seemed like the appropriate time to think about ways to take good care of our hearts, and this post from the Santa Cruz Patch hit all the right notes.
Exercise to support, not strain, your heart.
We often believe that exercising more and faster is better. Not so. New research has found that lower-intensity exercise (staying just below your target heart rate) is healthier than exercise that’s high stress and high intensity. The research found that athletes who overdo it can develop scarring of the heart over time.
Take time to relax and rejuvenate in nature.
Stress is bad for the heart. At least once a day, if you can, go outdoors and connect with nature. Breathe in fresh air and feel the sun on your skin. Doing anything outside, whether it’s taking a hike or sitting in the park, significantly reduces stress hormones and lowers blood pressure, which benefits your heart.
Connect with friends and family.
How is being in community with loved ones good for the heart? Connecting with others helps you keep a positive attitude even in the middle of stressful life challenges. The heart is the seat of your emotions; it’s where love, bonding, connection, and intimacy originate. By spending time with others, you have the opportunity to give and receive love, and that’s good for the heart too!
Eat more heart-healthy foods.
There are certain foods that are heart protective because they contain omega 3 and other healthy fats, critical vitamins and minerals, and fiber and phytonutrients that help keep heart tissues healthy. Here’s a partial list of foods you should eat more of: salmon, ground flaxseed, oatmeal, black or pinto beans, raw almonds and walnuts, and brown rice. Among the many heart-healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, these are especially beneficial: orange vegetables, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, orange fruits, and blueberries.
Get 6-8 hours of sleep at night.
A recent study found that getting too little or too much sleep is bad for the heart, increasing one’s risk for heart disease. (Read study here.) However, there’s another good reason to work on getting the right amount of sleep. Sleep washes away any negatives from the day before and helps you feel charged up and ready to go for the next day. It’s really true that troubles always seem easier to deal with after a good night’s sleep.
Laugh, smile, and play.
To our sometimes cynical modern ears, it may seem silly to just laugh your problems away. But scientists have found ample evidence for the health benefits of lightheartedness and optimism for healing and fighting off illness. Seeking happiness-producing activities is a good way to relieve stress, enjoy others’ company, and feel better. Give it a try this month. It will do your heart good.