But it’s coming. And that can put your heart at risk.
The holidays can be a tricky time for those battling heart trouble. There is a lot of work to be done, and it can be a challenging time. The COVID-19 pandemic will be an added source of stress, likely making the season even more difficult.
When taken in that context, it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about the holidays and heart health.
Take some time in the coming days to start prioritizing your heart. If you’re expecting a difficult time in the coming months, explore options to help ease potential stressors.
One of the first steps you can take is to start thinking realistically about your holidays and how you will feel. If you are unable to see family and friends, come up with alternative arrangements.
Perhaps you can swap festive holiday foods with the people you’d typically be spending time with. You can eat your meals together over platforms like Zoom or Facetime, remembering that this brief hiccup may have derailed plans this year, but things will be back on track in time.
You can also find ways to ease stress and improve heart health with activity or meditation. Staying calm and having an outlet to promote tranquility can reduce the risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular event.
Some suitable methods to help you keep calm this season include:
- Chatting with friends and family. Although you might not be able to see them, chatting online or on the phone can offer uplifting social connections.
- Exercise. Get out for a walk in the fresh air. It can be calming even as temperatures drop.
- Limit screen time.
- Spend time with relaxing activities you enjoy. Taking a bath, reading, and listening to seasonal music can all help.
- Try a heart-healthy diet.
Taking steps non for a healthy heart can help reduce the risk when the holidays hit.