Be Your Own Valentine
3 Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love this Valentine’s Day
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and while roses and chocolates are nice, the best gift you can give yourself is a little self-love - starting with the part of you that keeps everything running: your HEART! Let’s put the regular treats aside and focus on a few ways to keep your heart happy, healthy, and full of love. Ready to show your heart some extra TLC? Let’s dive in!
Why is Heart Health So Important?
Even if you aren’t into cars, you probably know that the engine of a car is the thing that keeps it going and running. That’s what your heart is for you! The better you take care of your engine, the longer and more efficient it will run!
Your heart is in charge of pumping essential nutrients and oxygen throughout your body while removing waste and toxins. A strong, healthy heart can even help boost your immune system which makes it easier to fight off colds and flus! On the other hand, if you don’t take good care of your heart this can lead to an increased risk of serious complications like strokes and heart attacks.
When your heart is healthy, it supports the rest of your body, helping you feel stronger, more energized, and overall healthier!
3 Ways to Maintain Heart Health!
- Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet
- Some good foods to eat are
- Fruits and Vegetables: These contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Whole Grains: These contain fiber which helps to lower cholesterol
- Lean Proteins: Try to find proteins with lower fat content
- Try to avoid foods with saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar!
- Some good foods to eat are
- Get enough rest!
- Rest is SO important for your heart! While you sleep, your blood pressure and heart rate naturally decrease which allows your heart to recover and relax from the stress of the day.
- Exercise!
- Any exercise is good exercise! Whether it’s a walk, a run, strength training, or going skating, doing something to get your heart pumping is good for it!
- If you struggle to find time to exercise, consider trying high intensity interval training (HIIT)*. This article by Harvard explains that studies show that short durations of HIIT show similar or better improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar compared with moderate-intensity exercise!
- *Make sure to check with your health care provider if you have any history of cardiac issues before trying HIIT
Conclusion
This Valentine’s Day, start practicing some self-love for your heart. Your heart keeps you alive every day, so why not show it a little love and TLC for all it does for you! Whether it’s through nourishing foods, movement, stress relief, or simply taking a moment to breathe, every small act of care makes a difference. Your heart works hard for you—now it’s your turn to return the favor!
P.S. If you’re ready to show some love to your heart, book with our staff here or by calling 905-689-2552 so we can help you come up with an exercise and activity plan that you can fall in love with!
