Five fun ways to keep your heart happy
Let’s be honest. We all want a healthy heart, mainly to avoid that look your spouse gives you when they see your cholesterol numbers and ask, “Did you eat butter by the spoonful again?” What if keeping your ticker in tip-top shape could be fun? Here are five entertaining ways to keep your heart happy.
1. Get moving and dance like nobody’s watching
Forget the treadmill. Blast your favorite dance track and bust out your moves, even if your rhythm resembles a cat on a robot vacuum. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, and yes, flailing counts. It’s good for your heart and your reputation as the family dance champion.
2. Eat smarter, and make it delicious
Swap chips for crunchy carrots or grab an apple that didn’t end up in a pie (shocking, we know). Fruits, veggies and whole grains are great for your heart. The American Heart Association offers these tips for replacing your go-to snacks and foods with delicious, healthy foods.
3. Laugh a lot
Laughter is like cardio for your soul. The Mayo Clinic notes that laughter relieves stress, improves blood vessel function and increases healthy blood flow, which can help protect your heart. So, watch a funny movie, swap jokes with friends or laugh at your own dance moves (see tip No. 1 in this blog).
4. Snooze the right way
Getting enough sleep is vital for heart health, not just for avoiding crankiness and caffeine dependency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sleep experts recommend 7-9 hours nightly for adults.
5. Less stress, more Zen
Stress is the sneaky villain behind many heart troubles. Try deep breathing, yoga or connecting with loved ones. Or you could always pretend you’re a relaxed cat sunbathing. The American Heart Association recommends managing stress to lower your risk of heart disease and offers helpful tips for staying calm and protecting your health.
So, in conclusion, dance, eat some vegetables, laugh until you snort, sleep like a champion and chill like a cat. Your heart will thank you, and your spouse won’t do “that face” after your next appointment.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
