Who Is Your Heart’s Worst Enemy? Duh! Now What Are You Going To Do About It?

Are you your heart’s worst enemy?

Do you put everything and everyone else ahead of taking yourself and your heart?

Think about it…

Do you forgo personal pleasures to get just one more thing done?

Do you feel like your backside is often glued to your desk chair or car seat?

Our busy lives often interfere with our health. Make Heart Month (February) an opportunity to become your heart’s friend instead.

Making the choice to put your health first can be difficult. The good news is that even small changes in your daily habits can reap dramatic benefits in your health now and into the future.

Here are some easy ways to fit healthy habits into your day:

Take 10 at 10: When the clock reads 10:00 a.m. take a break. Sit back, close your eyes (unless you are driving) and take 10 deep breaths. You will slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, refresh your mind and be able to return to the task at hand energized and less stressed. Find other tips to manage your stress.

Pull Your Head Out of the Sand: One of the best things you can do for your heart is to understand your own personal risk of heart disease. Visit your doctor and find out your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Discuss what these numbers mean in relationship to your family history. Don’t hide from your risk – do something about it! Find more information about risk factors and heart disease in Eliz’s latest book.

Don’t Eat Boring Food: Put some color on your plate! Load up on fresh fruits in vegetables in smoothies, salads and soups and avoid overly processed foods (if it’s beige or brown, put it down!). Get more tips on eating better.

Move Your Booty: Your body was built to move, not sit in one position all day. An active lifestyle doesn’t have to mean a trip to the gym. Find ways to fit two or three short walks (10 minutes) into your day or use a pedometer to count your steps. Make it fun by dancing in the kitchen while making dinner or shooting hoops with your kids. Get more active lifestyle tips.

Indulge and Don’t Feel Guilty: Time spent doing things to make yourself feel better, reduce your stress, and care for your health isn’t selfish – it is essential. Enjoy a glass of wine, take a walk with a friend, or close the door and put your feet up for a few minutes. You deserve it and your heart will thank you. Find more ideas for treating yourself well.

Be your heart’s friend this month! Leave a comment to let us know what you are doing to celebrate Heart Month and your commitment to make your health a priority and get a free copy of the Busy Woman’s Guide to an Active Lifestyle E-book!

Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.