Amidst the flurry of romantic gestures and sweet treats, remember to show some love to the hardest-working muscle in your body – your heart! While chocolates, roses, romance and poems are lovely, let's take a moment to focus on some heartfelt habits that will keep your heart in top shape for years to come.
Do you want to feel the love all year long? Be your own hearts valentine! Here's how to do it...
Nourish with Love: Fill your plate with foods that love your heart right back! Think colour! Fruits, crunchy veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Your heart will be swooning for the burst of nutrients and flavours that come from a well-balanced diet.
Take a Romantic Stroll: Who needs a candlelit dinner when you can have a sunlit stroll? Grab your sweetheart's hand and take a romantic walk together. It's the perfect way to get your heart pumping while enjoying quality time with your loved one and soaking in the beauty of the morning or afternoon sun.
Give Smoking a kiss goodbye: This Valentine's Day, give your lungs a break and your heart a helping hand. Smoking is not only detrimental to your overall health but particularly harmful to your heart. Your heart will thank you for the reduced strain to provide you with enough oxygen. Love is in the air- so breath it in and kiss the smoke goodbye.
Embrace Serenity with relaxation: Find your zen amidst the chaos of everyday life with a yoga session. Stretch, breathe, and let go of stress! Strengthen your body and mind as you cultivate inner peace and show your heart some much-deserved stress relief.
Cuddle Up for Sweet Dreams: Quality rest is essential for heart health, so snuggle up and let your heart bask in the warmth of love and rest. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for some well-deserved rest.
Do a heart Check-In: Just like any relationship, it's essential to check in with your heart regularly. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure your heart is happy and healthy. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health. Early detection and prevention is crucial for minimizing risks of heart disease.
Sip Sensibly: Toast to love and good health with a glass of wine or a mocktail but remember to sip sensibly. Too much alcohol can damper your heart's celebrations. Limit your alcohol intake to moderate to low levels or consider opting for healthier drink choices like red wine, which contains antioxidants beneficial for heart health instead.
Stay Hydrated: Keep your heart feeling loved and hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration supports overall health and helps your heart function efficiently. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and listen to your body's thirst cues to ensure you're staying adequately hydrated. It's okay to cry sometimes too, just ensure you have a glass of water or two.
Share Love, Spread Joy and feel the happiness: This Valentine's Day, spread love like it's confetti! Whether it's through acts of kindness, heartfelt gestures, or simply sharing a smile, showing love is good for the heart – both yours and others'. A sincere smile a day helps keep the tears away!. Emotional strain can have an effect on your heart health. A happy heart is often paired with a happy mind.
Celebrate Love Every Day: While Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to celebrate love, remember to cherish and care for your heart every day of the year. One act of self love can make a big impact in the long run. Do something small every day, show yourself the same love you show and feel from others.
Shower your heart with love and gratitude as well! Adopt these sweet and simple heart-healthy habits and love yourself too. With a little extra care and attention, you can keep your ticker ticking happily ever after. Celebrate love, health, and happy hearts this Valentines day!