Three Tips for a Healthier Heart

February is heart health month and though it isn’t the only month you should think about your heart, it is a good time to get started if you haven’t already. Heart health can be thought of in a lot of ways, but the most important may be preventing heart disease. Below are three ways that you can strengthen your heart in the journey to beating disease.

Do More Cardio

One thing you can do to prevent heart disease is incorporate Cardio (Cardiovascular Exercise) into your weekly routine. Prioritizing 30 minutes a day is a great way to improve and maintain your health. Walking, jogging, running, and biking are all activities that will strengthen your heart!



Manage Your Stress

When we become stressed our bodies naturally release adrenaline. This hormone will temporary increase your breathing and heart rate, as well as cause your blood pressure to rise. People who have higher levels of stress may also have higher blood pressure and cholesterol. While experiencing some stress is normal and even good for you, it is important to have strategies for managing your stress. Some ideas for this are practicing mindfulness (meditation and yoga), eating well, regularly exercising, connecting with supportive people, spending time in nature, and getting enough sleep.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating foods high in saturated and trans-fats leads to high cholesterol. The most common saturated and trans-fats are dairy, red meat, and baked goods (especially those that are heavily processed). Swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fats has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Try to incorporate more fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetables in your diet to improve your heart health.