February is American Heart Month, and reducing both physical strain and emotional stress can be good ways to take care of your heart health. We have some tips and smart safety advice that can improve your well-being.
Work smarter, not harder
Be careful when lifting objects — use your legs, not your back — to help maintain the natural curve of your spine and prevent excessive strain. If others are around, consider asking for help when lifting heavy or awkward loads.
If your activity becomes too much to handle, take small breaks. You’ll be refreshed if you take a break and relax before returning to your activity. Small breaks also allow you to recover quickly, whether you’re exercising, cleaning your home, finishing homework or doing any activity. And remember to slow down because there’s no need to rush if it causes stress and can lead to injury.
It’s time to
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Not getting a good night’s rest can increase stress. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, you should get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
According to Harvard Health, daily stress that persists over time is what doctors call chronic stress. It can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which increases the risk of heart disease.
Avoid the weight of too much stress. Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, take time to de-stress. Activities like meditation and breathing exercises can help reduce stress, which can also help you maintain a healthy heart as well as relax your mind and body.
