A New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart

New Year, Stronger Heart: 5 Heart-Healthy Resolutions

Making New Year’s resolutions is a fun exercise in figuring out how you want your life to improve in the coming year. However, sticking to your goals is easier said than done. When it comes to healthy heart resolutions, consistency is all the more important, and American Heart Month is the perfect time to start! As you think about your New Year goals this February, try implementing these heart health tips.

1. Change Up Your Plate

Eating healthier foods is one of the best healthy heart resolutions you can make. However, changing your diet for cardiovascular wellness doesn’t mean eating bland, boiled vegetables for the rest of your life. Instead, make strategic swaps that lower your risk of heart disease. Add one more serving of fruits and vegetables to what you already eat, and choose lower-sodium alternatives whenever possible. Make an effort to switch to healthy fats, too (like olive oil instead of butter).

2. Get Active

Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle in your body, it needs exercise to stay strong. Regular physical activity helps the heart pump blood more efficiently, reducing strain on the heart. Fortunately, you don’t need to train for a marathon to see benefits. These actionable tips can help you improve your cardiovascular wellness:

• Aim for 30 minutes a day for five days of physical activity.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Choose an exercise you enjoy—dancing, swimming, and even gardening count!
• Take a brisk walk during your lunch break.

Remember to always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions, injuries, or those who have been sedentary.

3. Take Steps to Manage Stress

Too much stress puts additional strain on your heart, and managing that stress is just as vital as diet and exercise when it comes to your overall health. Make these stress reduction techniques part of this year’s heart goals:

• Spend five minutes every day focusing on slow, deep breaths.
• Set boundaries with technology and find times to disconnect.
• Make time for the hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
• Look into preventative heart disease solutions for peace of mind.

4. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is often the first thing to go when life gets busy, but your heart pays the price. During deep sleep, your body enters a period of lowered blood pressure and heart rate, giving your cardiovascular system a much-needed rest. Whenever possible, stick to a consistent bedtime and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Do what you can to make your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet—the perfect environment for good sleep.

5. Know Your Numbers

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. High blood pressure and high cholesterol often have no symptoms, meaning you could be at risk without feeling sick. Regular screenings provide a snapshot of your cardiovascular health and allow you to catch potential issues early. At the beginning of the year, be sure to schedule your annual physical and specifically request to know about your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.

Starting Small Leads to Big Results

Making lifestyle changes for heart health does mean overhauling your current routine. Making small changes as part of your New Year’s resolutions can have a big impact in the long run. For help creating your goals, look to Cardiovascular Specialists of New England. We serve patients all over New Hampshire with exceptional cardiovascular care. Contact us today.