Written by Joe Suppes

When it comes to heart health, one thing a lot of people forget about is also one of the biggest things to remember:  stress is the enemy.

So many people dump time and money into eating right, becoming active, avoiding the big no-no’s like smoking and trans fats…but so many individuals forget that stress puts a lot of strain on your ol’ ticker.  This time of year can be especially hard on your heart!  The food is, of course, pretty risky during the holiday season, but food isn’t the culprit here.  Stress is.

Don’t try to convince me that you can handle it.  I am an all-time pro at stressing out.  I like to test my limits, and a lot of the time, I overstep them and wind up feeling overwhelmed or exhausted or just completely burnt out.  (Don’t believe me?  Ask good ol’ Matt, who runs this whole shebang.  He’s seen me get pretty close to what could be considered a “breaking point.”)  On the flipside, though, being an expert at stressing myself out as also taught me important skills about breaking stress and relaxing.

Stress relief can be done alone, or with others.  Your significant other or a close friend is a great companion for stuff like this!  Go for walks, go to the spa for a day!  After a pretty stressful year, my best friend and I decided to do a short trip to the spa while on vacation.  We ended up feeling so much better afterward.  I could actually FEEL a lack of stress.  It was like being hugged by sunshine and puppies.  It was wonderful.

I guess what I’m saying is that you can’t ever, ever be afraid to do something nice for yourself.  Sometimes all it takes is an hour alone with a good book, or a nap, or some time in an art studio.  (That’s another one of my big stress outlets, as well!)  Play with your dog, your kids, your grandkids, nieces and nephews, whatever it is you have that helps you loosen up and enjoy yourself.  Cut yourself some slack, do something you want to do for yourself.

What’s even better is if the things you do to release stress are also things that get you moving.  A lot of people run to maintain their stress levels.  Gardening is another great option.  Any activity that allows you to release your tension while burning calories and getting the blood flowing is a great choice.  If you don’t think you have any hobbies like this, look into it.  You may find that you love running, or that taking your dog for extra long walks is actually really enjoyable.

So, as you hang on tight to try and survive the holiday season, be sure to set aside “you” time.  Don’t get too wrapped up in the hustle and bustle.  You make time for what you want to do, and there’s always time to care for your heart.

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