Candles, chocolates, rose petals, and smooth jazz – we like to think of February as the month when love can be celebrated in all of its glory with that special someone! While you should absolutely give it your best to create a memorable experience for your significant other, this is also a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of self-love. And self-love, as we all know, starts with taking care of your health.
This year for Valentine’s Day, why not make a commitment to more than your partner, but to yourself? In the spirit of this special day, you can make a promise to yourself that you will cherish your own heart more than ever. To help you get there, we’ve created a handy list of tips to boost your heart health with the help of everyday habits, dietary changes, and the right supplementation!
Say no to smoking
Imperfection is part of being human, but some of our “imperfect” habits can cost more than others. If you have been a smoker any number of years, you know already that this is not the optimal way to take care of your heart for the long haul. This nasty habit has the tendency to wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system, as it damages the circulation of blood, while nicotine tightens your blood vessels.
The risk of developing various types of cancer for smokers is significantly higher than for non-smokers. Smoke inhalation alone is also dangerous for you and everyone around you. That alone should be incentive enough to help you kick the habit.
Salmon for dinner
Although almost every fad diet out there claims that fat consumption is bad for your waistline, it’s actually vital to understand that there are healthy fats your heart needs to function. Of course, the key to a healthy heart lies in moderation, so finding the right sources of these healthy fats makes all the difference!
Natural sources of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, are fatty fish such as salmon (perfect for a romantic dinner in all of its pinkness, don’t you think?), as well as nuts and seeds such as walnuts and flaxseeds. If you already have a heart condition, perhaps your doctor can recommend a supplement such as ProOmega Liquid to help boost your fatty-acid intake and thus your heart health.
Keep your heart stress-free
We all need to find ways to survive life’s uncertainties, but we often do so by putting ourselves through more stress than we can withstand. Your heart is part of a complex system, and if your body is under a lot of stress, your heart is bound to suffer as a result.
For instance, if your adrenal and other glands aren’t working properly, or your body is producing too much cortisol (also known as the stress hormone), your heart is under greater risk of illness or damage. Sometimes nutritional additions such as this Adrenal Fatigue bundle can alleviate the impact of stress on your body – as long as this is in line with your health requirements and your doctor’s advice.
Most importantly, make sure you find stress-relieving activities that will help you in everyday life, such as meditation, journaling, or walking in nature to give your heart the much-needed rest.
30 minutes is all you need
There’s no need to create an unrealistic and intimidating workout routine that will only make you feel subpar. All it takes is half an hour five times per week to keep your heart strong, resilient, and your cardiovascular endurance optimal.
Look for activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing that will give your heart more than just exercise, but also some pleasure! Your activity of choice can be a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill, socialize in nature, or simply unwind away from the city noise.
Spice things up
We’re all guilty of this little trick – adding salt to foods and ingredients that otherwise taste bland. As simple and convenient as this practice might be, it’s not so heart-friendly! In fact, too much salt in your food might lead to cardiovascular troubles later in life.
One of the easiest changes you can make is also the most delicious one. You can replace salt with other, more diverse spices that will transform an ordinary meal into a culinary delight in a heartbeat. Start with garlic as a flavorful salt alternative that gives any dish that bold taste, while basil, black pepper, lemon zest, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric all have their unique place in your kitchen. As you can see, you can lead a vibrant life while adding flavor to it effortlessly even when you cut back on certain ingredients!
Use the month of love to practice self-love in the healthiest way possible: to rebuild your heart’s resilience and give yourself the attention you need to be energized and ready to tackle any challenge that comes along. This Valentine’s Day can be the best moment to inspire a heart-healthy approach to eating and living, and it can be your first step towards a healthier you. If you need any help or support on that journey, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us today!
