Strengthening and maintaining a healthy heart is critical to our health and vitality physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our hearts are often weak since we are required to have constant mental focus. In addition, stress has proven to be a significant factor in heart disease according to expert cardiologists. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, for both men and women, in the United States.
TIPS FOR HEART HEALTH:
- Massage therapy: provides a reduction in stress related hormones and an increase in relaxation related hormones after massage. Massage, in many, cases helps lower blood pressure.
- Breathing: Grounding, deep abdominal breathing is a helpful first-aid when you feel yourself agitated and heated-up in the chest, which can lead to trapped emotion in the heart and lung areas.
- Frequent spurts of intense activity: Things like taking the stairs or
walking rather than driving may cut your risk of heart disease by as much as one-third. - Move from your heart: For the times you’re hunched over and your to-do list is not running smoothly, remind yourself to let your awareness come from your sternum. Give yourself a break from the head space, feel your shoulders relax as you lead from your heart and notice how your mind quiets. Does your perception change?
- Supportive foods: Omega fats like ground flax seed; black beans and kidney beans; walnuts; acorn squash; and sweet potatoes are just some of the foods packed with heart healthy nutrients!
- Get out in the natural world: Bundle up and go outdoors. Walk in the woods, sit at a bench in a park under a tree in your yard. Spend extra time with your pets and just be present with them. Or if its too cold, sit quietly for a minimum of five minutes. Quiet strengthens our hearts.
