February is Heart Health Month.
6 uncommon tips for a healthy heart and life:
❤ Have a laugh – a good laugh session causes blood vessels to dilate by 22%. This can increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
❤ Go outside – A sliver of sunshine? a break in the rain? Bundle up and go outside: move, stretch, breathe ~ it’ll do your heart good.
❤ Snuggle up – hugging, kissing and snuggling not only helps reduce stress and anxiety, it also increases oxytocin levels which can help reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
❤ Find a furry friend – people who own pets have reported lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, less stress and even some weight loss benefits.
❤ Get a good night’s sleep – has your bedtime crept to later and later? Reel it in – too little sleep can put you at a higher risk of developing heart disease. 7-8 hours sleep is ideal for optimal heart health.
❤ Get up and stretch – are you sitting in front of a t.v. or computer for 4+ hours straight? This significantly increases your risk of experiencing heart related cardiac issues. Set a reminder to get up and stretch regularly (and get some water while you are up!)
❤ Just breathe – a simple deep breathe every hour can calm nerves and ease your mind in just a few minutes. Feel your body unwind, your stress melt away, and your blood pressure drop.