When it comes to taking action and supporting your heart health, it’s never a bad time to start. Whether it’s getting ample exercise, quitting smoking, eating less salt or all of the above – it adds up.
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact so much of our everyday lives, and thoughts, heart health is still essential. Plus, focusing on your heart health and utilizing these everyday tips may be a much-needed distraction.
Not only is boosting your heart health easier than you may think, it also has a far-reaching impact on your overall wellness, too. That’s because the primary role of your heart is to circulate nutrients, oxygen and hormones throughout your body to keep everything running smoothly. That’s a big job – your heart is literally working 24/7.
So to keep your heart and the rest of your body in tip-top shape, here are 5 easy things you can do every day:
1. Stay hydrated.
Drinking the recommended amount of water each day is essential for so many reasons, including regulating your temperature, keeping your joints lubricated and improving your mood. Plus, staying well hydrated means that your heart doesn’t have to work quite as hard to pump blood.
2. Have a whole-grain breakfast.
Just by having breakfast, you’re already on your way to reducing your risk of heart disease. If you can opt for something with whole grains, like oatmeal, some cereals and breads, that’s even better. Don’t forget to pair it with fresh fruit or protein-packed nuts and/or nut butters.
3. Get plenty of sleep.
Unfortunately, struggling with getting enough sleep isn’t always due to a lack of effort. As much as possible, make sure you’re allowing for at least 7 hours of sleep each night and practicing healthy sleep habits. If you skimp on sleep, you may be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
4. Don’t skip chores.
While many of us would love to stretch our legs by heading out and about to hit the hiking trails, go for a bike ride or attend an exercise class. However, when your options are limited to at-home workouts, you may feel less than inspired. If you’re struggling for motivation, turn to routine chores, like vacuuming, mopping and dusting, as a great way to raise your heart rate, get in steps and boost heart health.
5. Be creative with stress relief.
Whether its anxiety related to germ prevention or feeling stressed about working at home, we’ve all had a fair share of stress these days. With that in mind, it’s important to find a way to release those feelings and support your mental and emotional well-being. Everything from journaling and deep breathing exercises to petting your cat or dog and getting sunshine can help to lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Supporting Your Heart Health Today – and Everyday.
At Georgia Heart Institute, our more than 65 heart specialists stand ready to provide the support and care you need to achieve lasting heart health. With a wide-variety of services and the most advanced technology, we provide everything from preventative cardiovascular care and thorough diagnostics, to specialized treatments and clinical research and trials.
To learn more about Georgia Heart Institute, and the services currently available during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact 770-534-2020.