Traditionally February is the month of love and all things heart related. Coincidentally February is also American Heart Month. This is a great time for seniors to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make changes that can lead to better heart health. It’s never too late to make a change towards a healthier heart. Below are a few tips and suggestions to help you improve your heart health.
Change Your Diet
February is typically the time you indulge in some sweet treats with your loved ones. You can still indulge but good nutrition and moderation are essential. Eating heart-smart foods are good for more than just your heart, it can help with your skin, energy levels, and overall well being. Adding more veggies to your diet could be beneficial in so many different ways. Gren, leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach are great for heart health. These green veggies are full of antioxidants and can help reduce blood pressure. Junk food may be the most convenient option but not the best for your heart as they’re packed full of sodium and fat. When you have a snack craving, instead of a bag of chips try eating nuts, seeds, or berries. These healthier snack options are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are excellent for preventing heart disease.
Get Moving
Staying in shape can help you sleep better and clear your mind. As little as 30 minutes a day of exercise can make a significant difference. You can spread out your exercise throughout the day if doing 30 minutes at once is too much. Start by doing activities you enjoy whether it be walking, dancing, or bowling. By getting active you can maintain a healthy weight which is good for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol low. If you find it hard to keep your motivation to exercise try including a reward system to your workout schedule. Treat yourself to something fun to keep you motivated. After you’ve exercised for the day, reward yourself with a new movie, a trip to your favorite store, or even a new book. Celebrate your success and keep yourself active! If you’d like some tips on exercising check out our blog Exercise Tips For Seniors
Manage Stress
Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Everyone in their lifetime has experienced some type of stress. It’s important for seniors to manage their stress in a healthy way. There is no way to completely eliminate stress from your life. Controlling the way we react to the stressors can make a huge difference in mitigating the negative effects stress has on your body. Mindfulness is a key factor in managing stress. A sense of mindfulness can help quiet a busy mind and help you become more aware of the present moment. Doing relaxing activities such as meditation and yoga can help strengthen your mindfulness. For some more ideas and helpful tips on how to manage your stress check out this video from the American Heart Association on Managing Stress.
