The Rhythm of Life
Your heart is one of the most important muscular organs in the body and taking good care of it should be one of your top priorities. February is Heart Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to check in on your heart health and the steps you are taking to protect it. With just a few simple lifestyle changes, you can keep your heart strong and healthy for years to come.
There’s so much you can do to keep your ticker happy and strong! Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and ensure adequate sleep. Managing stress and prioritizing mental well-being also help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States for both men and women, but the good news is that many risk factors are preventable. There are a lot of ways you can protect your heart and stay healthy.
Heart Smart Habits
- Include all three components of exercise in your workouts: stretching, strength training and aerobic exercises
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Balance calorie intake with your energy needs
- Eat whole foods – the healthiest foods come in their own wrapping
- Manage stress with relaxation and mindfulness
- Get enough sleep
- Drink plenty of healthy fluids to stay hydrated
- Stay active – movement is life!
- Socialize with others to support mental and emotional health
- Participate in activities that you enjoy for a fulfilling life
- Keep good oral health for overall wellness
The Heart’s Deep Connection to Love and Kindness
The link between love and the heart is so deeply ingrained in our consciousness that we often see them as one and the same. Love takes many forms, making it difficult to define, but one thing is certain—kindness is at the core of every kind of love. So much so that the fusion of the two has its own term: “loving-kindness.”
In addition to exercise and healthy eating, our emotional and mental well-being also play a crucial role in heart health. One of the best ways to nurture this is by connecting with others and showing that we care—whether through small acts of kindness, taking an interest in the lives of others, or simply being present. Expressing kindness isn’t just beneficial for those around us, it’s also one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves. When we make time for loved ones, we uplift both our spirits and our hearts.
Home is Where the Heart Is (and where good healthy habits begin!)
Staying active doesn’t necessarily require going to a gym—your home can be the perfect place to build heart-healthy habits! My For the Young at Heart dance and fitness classes are designed for all ages and can be enjoyed right in your own living room. With fun, lively movement, you can improve your heart health, boost energy, and stay motivated—all from the comfort of home. After all, true wealth lies in good health! Let’s build wellness together—inside and out.
Home is where we feel most comfortable, making it the ideal space to embrace healthy routines. Whether you follow along with fitness videos, use exercise equipment, or create a dedicated workout space, staying active at home is convenient and accessible. Plus, getting family members to join in can make exercise even more enjoyable. So, why not turn your living space into a place for movement, joy, and well-being? Let’s live for the moments that make our hearts beat and get started on our heart health now!
For advice or tips on how to live healthy and stay young at heart, please contact Leslie Sokol for more information.
This article was originally published in the Coastal View
