Self-Care Is for the Heart
By Brandi Goodman
Self-care is often considered a mental health activity. It's easy to get stressed and overwhelmed, experience poor sleep, and get burnt out quickly when you aren't taking care of your well-being. Self-care is for the heart as well, though. Your heart health can be improved when you take care of yourself mentally and physically.
Stress Relief Reduces Blood Pressure
When you're feeling stressed, your blood pressure is most likely higher than usual. This can have a direct impact on your heart health. High blood pressure can constrict your arteries and make it more difficult for blood and oxygen to flow. Seeking stress relief when you're overwhelmed may be good for your mental well-being, but it also benefits your heart. It can reduce your blood pressure and keep your circulation going.
Exercise Boosts Heart Strength
Exercise is known to release endorphins and boost your mood. When you're in need of self-care, it's often one of the first recommendations. Exercise also boosts heart strength. Work out for 30 minutes per day and you can increase your heart's abilities and keep it pumping efficiently. Fail to exercise, and your heart will suffer.
Proper Sleep Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Poor sleep can increase your risk of heart disease. Your heart needs time to recharge and recover from all its hard work during the day. If you aren't getting the sleep your heart needs, you're putting it at risk. Proper sleep reduces the risk of heart disease and can keep the organ functioning well. Make sure to get rest when you need it so your mind stays sharp and your heart stays pumping.
Healthy Foods Help the Heart
Self-care includes eating a nutritious meal that can properly fuel the body. Junk food is going to make you crash quickly, not to mention the weight gain it can cause which only leads to feelings of guilt and self-loathing. Healthy foods help keep the heart healthy and functioning to the best of its abilities. Enjoy these foods throughout the day, especially when you need a pick-me-up. Nuts, leafy greens, apples, berries, and avocados are some of the best options for your heart health.
Self-care is for the heart. It's also for everything else. If you're taking these precautions for one area of your well-being, other areas will also benefit. Your heart, joint, spinal, and mental health all have advantages to experience when you engage in self-care.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in American Fork, Utah.