Do Unto Others, but Take Time for You Too
By Stephen R. Farris
We're constantly bombarded with things we shouldn't be doing when it comes to our heart health. Smoking, drinking, eating too much fast food, and inactivity are all things that can be detrimental when it comes to maintaining healthy hearts.
However, sometimes you just have to do what makes you happy. I'm not saying dive into those bad habits mentioned above, but surely there are things of a healthy nature that makes your heart jump for joy.
Make Time for You
If you're constantly on the go at work and at home, maybe taking the kids to school, picking them up and chauffeuring them to practice, chances are you're spending all that time doing for others. It's not a bad thing, but you should also take time for yourself. Do something you really enjoy. Maybe it's playing golf, or taking an aerobics class. It could be something simple as reading a few chapters of your favorite novel. Whatever it may be, make and take time for you.
Nap Time
Doctors suggest that we get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. While that's ideal, it's not always possible. Work, school and sleeping on the wrong type of mattress can disrupt our sleep. Loss of sleep can elevate our risk for heart disease, so if you have time -- or can afford to without losing your job or getting expelled from school -- sleep in every once in a while. Take a nap during the day. These methods will count towards the required number of hours suggested for healthy sleep, plus it could also serve as an energy boost too.
Hang Out With Friends
Meeting up with friends after work can be beneficial not only to your heart health, but for your social well-being as well. Grab a bite to eat somewhere, go to a movie or if you're exercising, do it with a group of friends.
Eat Out Occasionally
It doesn't have to be a regular thing. You should still prepare healthy meals at home, but it won't hurt to indulge yourself with your favorite cuisine every now and then either. Most full service restaurants these days offer many heart-healthy items on their menu. So go ahead. Try some out next time you're at your favorite restaurant. You can ask your waiter/waitress about meals that are not always on the regular menu as well, that could be heart-healthy too.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Flowery Branch, Ga.