Happy February guys! DYK? It’s American Heart Month. It’s time to take action and protect our hearts against Heart Disease. This February, Sweat for Smiles will be sharing helpful insight and tips on how you can strengthen your heart. First up – how to make your body & mind happy.
Having a happy body and mind means you’re healthy, and energized, emotionally and physically. There are many obstacles that get in the way of a happy body and mind. Some of these are stress, daily to-do’s, and self doubt. Prioritize self care and make time for meditation, cardio and yoga.
Meditate: Meditation calms the mind, including your thoughts and emotions, improving quality of sleep and mindset. Just five minutes a day helps clear your mind, boost your mood, and reduce stress. Daily meditation also helps lower heart rate and blood pressure, which may lower your risk for heart disease. One of my go-to meditations is by superstar Peloton instructor Kristin McGee. Her sessions are quick and a great way to get started.
Get Your Heart Pumping: The American Heart Association recommends getting “at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both.” Moderate activity includes biking to work (under 10 mph), or taking a call on a fast walk. Vigorous activity includes running, swimming, and jumping rope.
Down Dog on the Regular: It’s recommended to do strengthening exercise at least 2x a week. My favorite way to strengthen the body and mind is yoga. Do it first thing when you wake up, or on your lunch break.
- Lowers Stress: Yoga relaxes the body and mind through breath work and mental focus, reducing emotional stress and lowering blood pressure.
- Boosts Heart: Yoga has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, blood glucose levels, and heart rate.
- Works Your Body: Consistent yoga can tone your full body, and improve balance, muscle strength, and flexibility.
Try Something New: I’m loving Kristin McGee’s yoga classes RN! Good news. You can try her yoga classes and meditations now for FREE for 2 months via the the Peloton App!
Will you give meditation and yoga a try? More to come in celebration of American Heart Month!
Lots of love,
