Prioritizing Your Heart Health This February

February is American Heart Month—a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and improving heart health.  

BMWC is dedicated to maintaining a safe work environment, and staying healthy on the job site is part of that. Below is a list of ways to reduce stress and improve your heart health. 

Stress & Heart Health

Stress has a significant impact on heart health as it can trigger hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, that raise heart rate and blood pressure, constrict blood vessels, and can create unhealthy behaviors like poor diet and smoking. All these factors raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular issues. 

See below for ways you can manage your stress and prevent heart disease. 

Ways to Destress 

1. Exercise Regularly – Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression by lowering cortisol and adrenaline levels and releasing endorphins. Just 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week can significantly boost your mood and mental clarity.  
2. Getting Enough Sleep – It is crucial for adults to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night as it will help lower blood pressure and heart rate by allowing the cardiovascular system to rest.  
3. Find an Enjoyable Hobby – Having a hobby you enjoy, like painting or baking, can keep your mind engaged so you don’t focus on negative thoughts or worries. Plus, it’s fun!  
4. Make Time for Friends and Family – Maintaining social connections releases calming hormones like oxytocin, which in turn creates a feeling of belonging and security. Social connections can protect us from life’s pressures by providing emotional support and reducing loneliness. 
5. Practicing Relaxation – Learning relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can help lower your blood pressure. Relaxation will reduce stress by triggering your body’s relaxation response and lowering your “fight-or-flight”   response. Even listening to music can positively impact your heart health!  

In addition, all BMWC employees have access to stress management trainings.  These new trainings are designed to help employees build resilience, improve focus and maintain balance during challenging times.  

To learn more about heart health, visit the American Heart Association’s website here.