February is all about love, flowers, candy, and especially hearts. The kinds that can be made out of construction paper, the love you feel in your heart, and, of course, your actual heart.
As moms, sometimes it can seem unimaginable how much love your heart can hold. It’s like when you were worried that you wouldn’t love a second child as much as the first, and everyone says, “Your heart just grows.” That sentence couldn’t be more accurate.
While we love our children so much and want to nurture their hearts (and overall beings), it’s important to remember that one of the best things you can do for their hearts is to take care of your own.
Heart health is crucial because the heart is a vital organ that pumps blood and delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Maintaining a healthy heart reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. A healthy heart enables moms to keep up with the demands of their busy lives, ensuring they have the energy and stamina to care for their families effectively.
So, how do you go about maintaining a healthy heart? Here are my top five healthy heart tips.
1. Stay Active
Try getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Make sure it’s something you enjoy to help you stick with it!
2. Prioritize Nutrition
It’s not always easy, but moms need to focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, added sugars and excessive sodium can help maintain heart health.
3. Catch Those ZZZ’s
Poor sleep can increase the risk of heart disease. Again, another thing that’s not easy to do when you’re a Mom. However, establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring your sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep are crucial to your heart health.
4. Manage Stress
Managing stress is essential for heart health. But again, you’re a mom, and I’m pretty sure “stressed out” is written in the job description. Find ways to relax and decompress, whether it be time outdoors, reading a book, or even getting a babysitter for a night out.
5. Get Regular Check-Ups
Moms must prioritize regular health check-ups and screenings to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health. It’s easy to forget that you must also get a yearly check-up. Between scheduling your kids’ doctor, dentist, and any other necessary appointments, your health can fall to the side. It’s crucial, especially as we age to seek medical care.
While you’re enjoying all the wonderful things February has to offer like the Super Bowl, President’s Week break, and most importantly, love and Valentine’s Day, don’t forget it’s also American Heart Month, and to nurture your family’s hearts, you need to take care of yours.
, it’s important to remember that one of the best things you can do for their hearts is to take care of your own.){kind=link}