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Can Fidgeting and Belly Laughing Keep Your Heart Ticking?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with the American Heart Association warning that 61% of American adults may develop cardiovascular disease in the next 30 years. While most people are aware of the importance of a healthy diet, avoiding ultraprocessed foods, and regular exercise, there are lesser-known habits that can also boost heart health.
Karen Stockdale, a registered nurse with Soliant Health, emphasizes that heart health is influenced by various everyday habits, many of which are not only effective but also enjoyable. She highlights five unexpected, everyday habits that can improve both breathing and long-term heart health.
Wiggle Your Toes
Stockdale recommends wiggling your toes for 30 seconds every hour, especially if you’re sitting or traveling for long periods. This simple habit stimulates blood flow and prevents pooling, which is crucial for maintaining circulation. Improved circulation ensures better oxygen flow throughout the body, which plays a vital role in supporting both lung and heart health.
Practice Perfect Posture
Maintaining proper posture is essential for cardiovascular health. When you slouch, your chest cavity becomes compressed, restricting lung capacity and limiting airflow. Over time, this can reduce the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, forcing the heart to work harder to supply oxygen to the body. Conversely, proper posture opens up the chest cavity, improving breathing, enhancing oxygen intake, and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system.
Laugh, a Lot
Laughter does more than just lift your spirits—it also benefits your heart. Studies show that mental well-being can significantly impact cardiovascular health. Laughter stimulates deep breathing, increasing oxygen intake while lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. When you laugh, your diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, pushing air out of the lungs more forcefully and encouraging a greater exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Research even suggests that “laughter therapy” can improve cardiovascular health and ease symptoms of heart disease.
Maintain a Gratitude Practice
A daily gratitude practice can have a positive impact on your heart health by reducing stress levels. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to inflammation in the body, including the respiratory system. By cultivating a sense of calm and positivity through gratitude journaling, individuals may experience lower stress and anxiety, leading to more relaxed breathing patterns and improved lung function. Whether it’s writing in a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on the small joys of the day, this practice promotes overall well-being.
Try Pursed Lip Breathing
Pursed lip breathing is a simple technique that can regulate oxygen intake during periods of stress or exercise. By exhaling slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out birthday candles, you prolong exhalation and improve airflow, preventing airway collapse. This technique promotes better oxygen exchange, increasing the time available for oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to leave. Enhanced oxygenation reduces the heart’s workload, as it doesn’t have to pump as hard to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body.
