Okay, all of us are most likely aware that we should be keeping our hearts happy and healthy. Our hearts make sure every other organ in our body is getting blood and oxygen and all that good stuff. But if you’re like us, even though you know you should be prioritizing your heart health, sometimes life happens and you’re not doing that. And sometimes we don’t make it a priority until it’s too late and we’ve already landed ourselves in the hospital or received a stern talking-to from our doctor. Our goal is to prevent that and help that in any way, so we’ve rounded up a few tips (like, easy everyday things we can all be doing) from doctors that will keep our hearts healthy, let’s take a look!
Get Your Zzz’s
Studies have found that those that sleep an average of fewer than six hours per night are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular issues versus those that sleep seven to eight hours per night. So our advice is to make that nightly routine, (you know, relaxing bath, ashwagandha, sleepy time tea) and getting a good sleep a priority.
Healthy Food Choices
(image via: popsugar)
If you are fully aware that your diet isn’t where it should be, start making small changes every day. Swap your drink of choice out for water, incorporate more fresh foods, even if it’s just in the form of snacks, cut down on heavily processed foods, and make it a goal to cook at home all week; when you make these choices and they become habits, then you can indulge every now and again. (And there’s a lot to be said for how good a slice of cheesecake tastes after you’ve been without for a hot minute!)
Get Up and Move It
Studies have found that those that sit for long periods of time are at risk for a number of health issues including heart disease. This can be hard if you’re confined to an office all day, but again, small steps. Park a little farther away, take the stairs versus the elevator, make it a priority a couple of times a day to get out of the office, and walk around for five minutes.
Quit
You already know what we’re about to say: smoking. Smoking is bad for you all around, it causes cancer, it stinks, it affects those around you, and it’s bad for heart health. So give it up, already.
Take Care of Your Gums
(image via: pro active dental studio)
Make sure you’re brushing and flossing on the daily because studies have found that there is a direct correlation between gum health and heart health. Some believe that the bacteria from our mouth can spread throughout our body creating a number of health issues, so best to make sure you’re keeping that mouth clean.