Things You Can Do WHILE READING THIS to Help Your Heart Health

There are so many blogs out there telling us the things we can do for our health LATER. Recipes to add to your Pinterest board, fitness exercises you want to try next time you go to the gym… But what about right now – like this very moment? What could you be doing while reading this blog that could boost your overall wellness, improve your heart health, and make you feel better about the rest of the day? We have the answer! Take a look at the things you can do to improve your heart health RIGHT NOW while you read!

Take a Deep Breath

Breathe in 4 seconds and out 4 seconds.

We will wait…

And again… Deeply… in 4 seconds and out 4 seconds.

Stress and tension are a regular part of our day, especially for those going through major life changes, those who have difficult or stressful jobs, and those who are dealing with other mental or physical ailments. All of the stress we experience builds up tension in not just our muscles, but in our hearts too. When we are stressed, our hearts have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body to keep us healthy. How do we fix this? We can reduce stress by taking moments throughout the day to breathe deeply, refreshing our body with big doses of oxygen. 

Close your eyes

Take some more deep breaths and draw your attention to the areas of tightness or tension throughout your body. 

Try to relax them. 

Another deep breath, and you are on your way to a happier heart!

Get Active

One of the best things we can do for our hearts is to stand up and get moving. This can be as simple as moving your body, doing a couple of squats at your desk, stretching your arms and neck. Once you have done those things, NOW, decide what you are going to do the rest of the day to keep moving! 

Need some ideas? Here are simple things you can do to get yourself moving today:

• Try an online workout from YouTube
• Park at the far end of the parking lot when running errands and walk in
• Take your pet for a walk
• Challenge yourself to do 5 minutes of exercise between Netflix episodes
• Set an alert on your desktop to remind you to move after sitting for 30 minutes

Grab a Glass of Water

Your body is 60 percent water. Water plays such a huge role in keeping us healthy, including ridding the body of toxins, and is linked to each initiative to improve our heart health. In fact, when we are dehydrated it puts strain on our heart (valves and all)! With less water in our body, our hearts need to work harder to circulate blood. How many glasses of water have you had today? Not enough? Chug one now!

Book an Appointment with Your Healthcare Practitioner

When was the last time you had a checkup? If you aren’t sure, then it is time to book a checkup with your healthcare practitioner. It is encouraged that you see your doctor for yearly checkups, but if you ever have concerns about your health, always go for an extra visit! At these visits, your doctor will be able to tell you where your health is at, how your heart is doing, and answer any questions you may have about how to stay healthy.

So consider this your reminder!

Plan Your Next Meal

Whether you are reading this in the morning or evening, a meal is coming up and you have the chance to make it one that will positively impact your heart health. There are a number of ingredients that are particularly good for your heart, including leafy greens, tomatoes, and berries! Having breakfast next? Make a hearty oatmeal topped with fresh raspberries and blackberries! Having dinner next? Make yourself a vegetable-filled soup!

Donate to a Heart-Focused Organization

Want to take heart health a step further? Take the time to invest in other’s hearts too! By donating to a local organization that is focused on heart health, you have the chance to make a positive impact in the wellness and lives of those suffering from heart disease! There are hundreds of amazing heart charities who are making incredible strides. Check out our Canadian Heart Charities blog for a list of organizations who are here in Canada creating heart-healthy changes!

Look at how much good you did for your heart in just a matter of minutes! The more time we take to improve our heart health, the healthier we will feel. Invest in your heart and it will keep investing in you!

Wondering how you can add more physical activity into your life while making it simple? Take a look at our blog on the best methods to reduce your risk of heart disease and keep you healthy for the long run!