Follow these heart-healthy tips to better your overall health.
1-minute tip: Eat Chocolate! Studies show that dark chocolate can help prevent heart disease and also suggest it may positively affect blood clotting.
5-minute tip: Laugh! Studies show that laughter can promote the healthy function of blood vessels and relieve stress. Whether it’s watching a YouTube clip, calling an old friend who makes you chuckle, or just reliving a funny moment in your life, laughing is a fun way to support a healthy heart.
15-minute tip: Learn to meditate. Studies show meditation cuts down on stress levels and can even lower blood pressure when practiced regularly. Long-term stress leads to heart disease in many cases, so learning to channel that stress is a great way to make your heart healthier.
30-minute tip: Exercise! Walk your dog, go on a bike ride, do something to get your heart rate up for 30 minutes 5 days a week. The benefits of regular exercise are astounding and can lead to a longer life. Always check with your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regimen.
This article first appeared in the February 2016 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
