How Are You Tending To Your Heart Health?
A friend asked me recently, “How is your heart?” and truthfully I paused. As a health coach working with menopausal women, I place so much emphasis on our physical health, but maybe I should check in more with my clients about what’s going on inside. The pandemic has prevented time and connections with loved ones, and so it's is no surprise that our hearts may be suffering right now. Our emotional state is reflective of our physical well-being, and studies have proven that our lack of time with loved ones could literally impact our blood pressure. Researchers measured people's blood pressures during different social interactions and discovered an actual drop in blood pressure after visits we love. In a ‘normal’ time, I would advise clients to spend time with others to keep their hearts strong, but nothing is uncomplicated during this pandemic, and being together is plain challenging.
But there are other ways to attend to our heart health through simple activities that are possible, even while our lives are still limited by Covid 19.
Here are my favorite heart-strengthening tips:
Laugh it up. Laughter is the best medicine, and laughing really hard is also great for your core! I love listening to entertaining podcasts while walking to take my mind off of things. One of my favorites...https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartless
Get moving. The goal should be 5-6 days a week for at least 30 minutes. In-home fitness is here to stay, so take advantage of all the great free apps and youtube videos. https://www.nourishmovelove.com has terrific HITT videos that are motivating when the weather is bleak!
Write a love letter. A simple note of gratitude to either a loved one or family member. The mailman is still working and stamps are still inexpensive!
Do something for someone else. It's very different to think you should do something versus doing it because you want to do it from a place of love and kindness. Whether it’s helping an elderly neighbor, or buying someone a random cup of coffee, a kind act can have a positive impact on your health.
Be your own best friend. Treat yourself to your favorite candle, and use it! Make your favorite meal and include a health (ish) desert, like a fruit crumble, or take a hot bath and use your favorite oil and body wash.
This is the time to take stock in both your physical and emotional heart, for they are both equally important. If you need more suggestions and ideas, reach out here, and I would love to get you started to feel healthier and be more supported.
