Feel the Beat: Everyday Habits for a Healthier Heart

February is Heart Health Month—a perfect reminder that our most important muscle works hard for us every single second. Let’s return the favor with habits that keep it strong, resilient, and supported.

Here are 8 simple, meaningful ways to love your heart a little more this month:

1. Prioritize Your Sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours each night. Quality sleep gives your heart a chance to recover, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy blood pressure. Think of it as your heart’s nightly tune‑up.

2. Keep an Eye on Blood Pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it’s known as the “silent” risk. Get yours checked regularly and know your numbers. Your future self will thank you.

3. Check Your Cholesterol. If it’s been a while, add it to your to‑do list this month.
Balanced cholesterol supports clear, healthy arteries—and it’s an easy screening that gives you powerful information.

4. Know Your Blood Sugar. Many people are prediabetic without knowing it.
If you’re over 45, carry extra weight, or have a family history of diabetes, schedule a quick blood sugar check. Awareness is empowering.

5. Move More (it doesn’t need to be complicated!). Aim for 30 minutes of movement, 5 days a week. Walk, dance, shovel snow, clean the house—anything that gets you warm and slightly breathless. And if you sit a lot, break it up with standing or walking breaks.

6. Eat Clean, Colorful Foods. Your heart thrives on real, whole food. Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, seeds, and lean proteins. The more color, the better the fuel.

7. Stay Away From Smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke both strain the heart.
If you smoke, talk to your provider about a quit plan. If you don’t, protect your air space as much as possible.

8. Manage Stress (yes, it counts!). Stress directly impacts heart health. Give yourself permission to slow down, laugh more, create boundaries, breathe deeply, and spend time with people who fill your cup.