Laugh, Dance, and Pet a Puppy: Fun and Unexpected Ways to Boost Heart Healt
As promised, here are some more heart health tips. Things you can do, many from your own home, with zero or little money. Cool, right? Nearly all these are related to keeping up with the health of another body part, easily and naturally. Again, they’re not rooted in one’s diet, exercising, or getting enough sleep. (Though, again, those are important. It’s just they’re in every post you read regarding heart health.) Okay, again, as promised: Prologue over. Here they are.
Laughter Therapy
Have you ever come across the phrase, “Laughter cures all ills,” or something along those lines? While this is good for mental health, that isn’t the only plus (that indirectly improves heart health on its own); it is hormones, baby. Genuine laughter releases “feel-good” hormones that help mitigate the physiological effects of stress. It also improves mood, not to be confused with mental health. When I’m p*ssed off, if someone can make me laugh (though they need to try), it lightens my mood. It may not make me in a good mood, but I no longer have bloodlust. That brings us to our next item.
Anger Management
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can modify negative thought patterns and manage chronic stress or anger. CBT is a talk therapy that is used for mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression and those with autism and developmental delays. It is structural. It’s all about identifying triggers and adapting coping strategies to stress, which reduces stress-related cardiovascular strain.
*Like laughter, this could be considered a “mental health thing,” and it is. But for anyone with any stigma, hold up and read this paragraph. The concept of a mind and body connection is real. They are intertwined. Those with neurological disorders such as epilepsy are well aware. Stress can trigger genuine seizures, which are electrical misfires in the brain. The brain’s electrical system does not fall under the mental health umbrella, yet stress or anxiety can trigger changes that cause misfires. Neurological and mental health joined, while neurological conditions can manifest physically. (Parkinson’s, anyone?) The body, brain, and one’s emotional well-being work together to make us work. They are a trifecta, and to reject the idea is setting yourself up. If that’s not enough, there are other parts of the body beyond the brain and one’s emotional state, so don’t go anywhere.
Extroverts For the Win! Socialize and Engage in Your Community (Facepalm)
I’m sorry, all you introverts (including me – INFJ!), but some studies have shown that social isolation has become an emerging risk factor for heart disease. Worse, it’s not just about hanging out with a friend or with family, though I recognize baby steps as I take them myself. Strong personal support systems and relationships with friends and family are essential, but we also need to get out of the house. Engaging in community activities, whether group activities, volunteering, or whatever your bag is. Strong social bonds and community engagement may help buffer the physiological impact of stress on your heart.
Creative “Therapies”
A shout-out to fellow creatives; we know how powerful a release or high we get when creating. Apparently, that puts us ahead. Playing music, singing, writing and journaling, painting/drawing, or any form of art can trigger the release of endorphins and lower stress hormones, very much along the lines of laughing. Creation can lead to a healthy heart.
Dance! Embracing Mind-Body and/or “Mindful Movement” Practices
No, I’m not getting on the exercise bandwagon. I already told you there will be none of that. This is all about natural highs, being aware of your body, and gentle movements. Well, except for dancing. That could be considered a workout, depending on what you’re dancing to, but that’s your choice. Activities like tai chi, qigong, or dance therapy combine physical movement with focused breathing and mindfulness. These improve balance and flexibility (my mind immediately goes somewhere; yes, I’m that person) and have been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. There are specific techniques, such as “Feldenkrais” or “Alexander Technique.” I have not supplied hyperlinks because I’m a tad overworked, and Google is all you need. Still, I personally prefer the freedom of dance.
When East Meets West: Combining Eastern and Western Medicine
If you’ve ever used herbs or scents or have tea preferences – these things stem from something older and more “traditional.” Acupuncture has been shown to influence the autonomic nervous system. I could never do acupuncture just because of the idea of all those needles! I’m not even afraid of needles, but pictures I see, that’s a lot. For those braver than me, it may be something to check out. Mixing Eastern and Modern/Western medicine can complement each other nicely. If you have concerns (or because I don’t want to seem like I’m giving medical advice), you can contact your doctor and see what may work best for you.
Fur Babies
Emotional support animals are not exclusive to official emotional support animals. Interacting with pets has been linked to reduced stress, lower anxiety, and improved mood. Yeah, I know. I wasn’t going to go full-on mush, but come on, puppies (or kittens, if that’s more your style). Beyond the emotional benefits (and they really do just make everything better, even if better isn’t good), such interactions may help modulate stress responses and support cardiovascular function through enhanced emotional regulation. Rescue animals – who rescues who?
It's in Your Gut
No, really. It’s in your gut. Research is beginning to show that the balance of bacteria in your gut can affect inflammation and cholesterol metabolism. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables—or even discussing supplements with your healthcare provider—might have a positive impact on heart health. Hey, I said I wasn’t going to do the diet thing, but I don’t consider this dieting – it’s bacteria, except the kind we want.
Open Wide… It’s Beneath Your Smile (or Frown)
Teeth, baby! Well, more specifically, your gums. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation, which may contribute to heart disease. This isn’t new. If you have a heart condition, even if you’ve never needed surgical or noninvasive intervention, you likely take a “pre-med” before an appointment with the dentist, even if you’re always cavity-free and keep up with the brushing. That “pre-med” is an antibiotic to launch a preemptive strike against the bacteria in your gums. When you’re in a dentist’s chair, your gums tend to bleed, at least a little. That bleeding can lead to all kinds of issues, including heart or heart valve infections such as Infective Endocarditis (which I did have; it’s the last thing that killed me). Maintaining regular dental check-ups and considering oral care as an important form of self-care can save your life.
Talking About Preemptive…
For people with a genetic predisposition or family history of heart disease, preventive medications—such as low-dose statins or antiplatelet agents—may be advised by healthcare providers. This strategy addresses underlying cardiovascular risk at a biological level rather than through lifestyle changes. So, if this is you, and your doctor hasn’t brought it up – be preemptive yourself. Sure, this doesn’t mean you can suddenly do all-you-can-eats 24/7 and sit forever, but you don’t need to consider what I’ve said I won’t get into, either. (Diet and exercise.)
On this note, paying extra attention to certain micronutrients may offer additional benefits. For example, magnesium and potassium help maintain proper blood vessel function, while vitamin D and vitamin K2 have been linked to vascular health. (I’m on some of these!) Regular blood tests can help tailor supplementation under medical guidance.
Finally, monitoring inflammation markers such as your C-reactive protein (CRP) can provide early warning signs, allowing you and your doctor come up with a plan before more serious issues develop.
Yes, all this falls under a doctor’s supervision. Not you. Not me. A doctor. However, it’s on you to be proactive. It’s all about preparation, people. Preparation, preparation, preparation.
Hands-On!
Get a massage! Or, if you’re like me, thinking, “How am I supposed to afford a massage, let alone regular ones?” there are ways you can self-massage. (Okay, that’s not just me. That sounds wrong.) If you can afford regular sessions of massage therapy, power to you. Do it. If you’re like me, this is a DIY moment. Read up, research, and/or ask your doctor, as I’m not going full-blown technical on how, but there are specific points on your body you can apply pressure to reduce muscle tension, relieve chronic stress, and contribute to a more balanced autonomic nervous system. This is the same idea and concept behind acupuncture (again, not for me), but with the Western flare.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
So, I can attest to this: I get my lavender on. I have my body wash and hand soap; I grow some in the yard (yes, really), and I appreciate the smell whenever I can get it. It provides a cooling sensation, like a fresh breeze. I don’t use actual oils, but in theory, using essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or chamomile in a diffuser may help ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Research is still being conducted, but aromatherapy might provide a gentle, supportive boost to stress reduction, an important factor for heart health. Lavender does it for me. This complements the massage thing. Aromatherapy, essential oils, lotion scents, or diffusers are typically offered to someone getting a massage. I suggest lavender.
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Well, this officially wraps up our Heart Awareness Month posts. Wishing everyone healthy hearts!